Carboxylic Acids and their Derivatives - Result Question 66
52. A liquid $X$, having a molecular formula $C _6 H _{12} O _2$ is hydrolysed with water in the presence of an acid to give a carboxylic acid $Y$ and an alcohol $Z$. Oxidation of $Z$ with chromic acid gives $Y$. What are the structures of $X, Y$ and $Z$ ?
(1986, 3M)
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Solution:
$X$ is an ester and both its acid and alcohol fragments have same number of carbons. Hence, $X$ is :
$ \underset{X}{CH_3CH_2COOCH_2CH_2CH_3} \xrightarrow[H_2O]{H^+} \underset{Y}{CH_3CH_2COOH} + \underset{Z}{CH_3CH_2CH_2OH} $
$ Z \xrightarrow[ ]{[O]} \underset{Y}{CH_3CH_2COOH} $
BETA
