Consider the following alkanes: (i) Propane (ii) Isobutane (iii) Neopentane (iv) 2-Methylbutane (v) n -Pentane (vi) 3-Ethylpentane How many of the above alkanes can be oxidized to the corresponding alcohol by alkaline KMnO ₄ ?

Step-by-step solution

Alkanes are generally inert to oxidation. However, alkanes containing a tertiary ( 3^ ) hydrogen atom can be oxidized to the corresponding alcohol by strong oxidizing agents like alkaline KMnO ₄ . Let us examine the given alkanes for the presence of a 3^ hydrogen atom: (i) Propane ( CH₃CH₂CH₃ ): Contains only 1^ and 2^ hydrogens. (ii) Isobutane ( CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₃ ): Contains one 3^ hydrogen. (iii) Neopentane ( C(CH₃)₄ ): Contains only 1^ hydrogens attached to a quaternary carbon. (iv) 2-Methylbutane ( CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃