Acetone can be prepared by the oxidation of
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Isopropyl alcohol
Acetone (CH₃COCH₃) is prepared by the oxidation of isopropyl alcohol (2-propanol, CH₃CH(OH)CH₃) using oxidizing agents like acidified K₂Cr₂O₇ or PCC.
Reaction: CH₃–CH(OH)–CH₃ → CH₃–CO–CH₃ + H₂O
This is a standard laboratory/industrial method.
Why others are wrong:
- Methanol → oxidizes to formaldehyde → formic acid (no acetone)
- Ethanol → oxidizes to acetaldehyde → acetic acid (no acetone)
- Propanol (1-propanol) → oxidizes to propanal → propanoic acid (no acetone)
Only secondary alcohol with two methyl groups (isopropyl alcohol) gives a ketone (acetone) on oxidation.