Question: Ketones $\left[R C O R_1\right]$ where $R=R_1=$ alkyl group. It can be obtained in one step by
A) oxidation of tertiary alcohol
B) reaction of acid halide with alcohols
C) hydrolysis of esters
D) oxidation of primary alcohol
Answer: oxidation of tertiary alcohol
Sol:
A tertiary alcohol is difficult to oxidise. But when it is treated with an acidic oxidising agent under some conditions, it is oxidised to ketone and then to acids. Both the ketone and acid contain the lesser number of carbon atoms than the starting alcohol.
