Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Permanganate Test
The permanganate test is a qualitative analysis used to detect the presence of alkenes and certain other functional groups in organic compounds. When an alkene is present, the purple color of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) is reduced to brown manganese dioxide (MnO₂), indicating a reaction. This test is particularly useful for identifying unsaturation in organic molecules.
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Oxidation of Alcohols
Alcohols can undergo oxidation reactions, where they are converted into carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes or ketones. The permanganate test can also indicate the presence of primary and secondary alcohols, as they can be oxidized to aldehydes and ketones, respectively. Tertiary alcohols, however, do not react in this manner, making this concept crucial for interpreting the test results.
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Functional Groups
Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In the context of the permanganate test, the presence of double bonds (alkenes) or hydroxyl groups (alcohols) can significantly influence the outcome of the test. Understanding the functional groups present in the molecules A-D is essential for predicting their reactivity with KMnO₄.
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