Fundamentals of Organic ChemistryChemistryCarboxylic Acid Derivatives
Identify the major product formed in the following reaction:
Correct answer
2
Step-by-step solution
The given reactant is isopropylbenzene (cumene). The reagent K ₂ Cr ₂ O ₇ in the presence of H ₂ SO ₄ and heat is a strong oxidizing agent. When alkylbenzenes are treated with strong oxidizing agents, the entire alkyl side chain is oxidized to a carboxyl group ( - COOH ), provided there is at least one benzylic hydrogen atom present. In isopropylbenzene, the benzylic carbon is bonded to one hydrogen atom. Therefore, the isopropyl group is completely oxidized to form a carboxylic acid group. The major product formed