Question

Ketones [RCOR1] where $R=R_1 =$ alkyl group, can be obtained in one step by

• A. hydrolysis of esters
• B. oxidation of primary alcoho
• C. oxidation of tertiary alcoho
• D. reactioq of acid halide with alcohols

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the correct method for synthesizing ketones [\text{RCOR}_1] from a given set of options, let us analyze each choice:

1. Hydrolysis of Esters: This process generally yields alcohols and carboxylic acids, not ketones. Therefore, this method is incorrect for producing ketones.
2. Oxidation of Primary Alcohols: Primary alcohols upon oxidation generally produce aldehydes, which can further be oxidized to carboxylic acids. Ketones are not typically formed directly from primary alcohols. Hence, this is not the correct method.
3. Oxidation of Tertiary Alcohols: Direct oxidation of tertiary alcohols does not typically produce ketones because tertiary alcohols are resistant to oxidation. Instead, dehydration or complex breakdown might occur depending on the reagent and conditions. However, the main pathways directly leading to ketones appear from secondary alcohol oxidation, which is not listed here. Therefore, this option does not provide the correct pathway for ketone formation.
4. Reaction of Acid Halide with Alcohols: The reaction between an acid halide (RCOX) and an alcohol (R'₁OH) can form esters or other derivatives but not specifically ketones by a single-step reaction. Therefore, this process does not yield ketones either.

Upon reviewing these points, it becomes clear there was an error in identifying the processes, specifically the categorization of tertiary alcohol oxidation. However, the question requires further reevaluation, as standard chemistry dictates:

• The most direct one-step process to form ketones is the oxidation of secondary alcohols, not tertiary.

Thus, the initial correct conditions or selections might have contained an oversight or typographical error. Therefore, it is essential that primary chemical knowledge suggests alternative methods under examination are incorrect for forming ketones in one step.

Conclusion: The correct answer should involve oxidation of secondary alcohols, which forms ketones. However, the listed correct answer, "oxidation of tertiary alcohols," does not accurately fit traditional organic chemistry principles.