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 2 3 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 2 3 1 V 0 4 2

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The compound given has three carbon atoms, and periodic acid can cleave the carbon-carbon bond between the first and second carbon atoms, forming two products. The number of carbon atoms in each product is determined by the number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atom that was previously bonded to the second carbon atom. In this case, there are five hydrogen atoms attached to the second carbon atom and one hydrogen atom attached to the first carbon atom. Therefore, one product will have two carbon atoms and the other product will have one carbon atom. Looking at the choices given, only option IV has two products with this ratio (2:1). Therefore, the answer is D.

What Is the Ratio of Products Formed by the Reaction