What is the ratio of products formed by the reaction of periodic acid with the following compound? H₂C=O HCO₂H
CO₂
I
5
1
0
II
3
3
0
III
1
5
0
IV
1
4
1
V
0
4
2

Question

What is the ratio of products formed by the reaction of periodic acid with the following compound? H₂C=O HCO₂H CO₂ I 5 1 0 II 3 3 0 III 1 5 0 IV 1 4 1 V 0 4 2

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction of periodic acid with the given compound leads to cleavage of the carbon-carbon double bond and formation of two aldehyde groups. The ratio of products depends on the position of the double bond relative to the substituents. In this case, the double bond is between carbon atoms 1 and 2, so the possible products are:
I - cleavage between atoms 1 and 2, giving two aldehydes with one carbon atom each (5:1 ratio)
II - cleavage between atoms 2 and 3, giving two aldehydes with two carbon atoms each (3:3 ratio)
III - cleavage between atoms 3 and 4, giving two aldehydes with three carbon atoms each (1:5 ratio)
IV - cleavage between atoms 2 and 3 for one aldehyde, and between atoms 3 and 4 for the other aldehyde, giving one aldehyde with two carbon atoms and one with four carbon atoms (1:4 ratio)
V - cleavage between atoms 3 and 4 for both aldehydes, giving two aldehydes with two carbon atoms each (0:4:2 ratio)
The correct answer is C, because only product III matches the given ratio of 1:5:0.

What Is the Ratio of Products Formed by the Reaction