Glycerol + periodic acid yields which product?

Prepare for the Clinical Chemistry Numericals Test. Study with comprehensive questions, each with detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and excel on your exam!

Multiple Choice

Glycerol + periodic acid yields which product?

Explanation:
Periodate oxidation cleaves vicinal diols (1,2-diols) by breaking the bond between the two carbons bearing hydroxyl groups and converting each of those carbons into a carbonyl compound. Glycerol has 1,2-diols on its ends, so when periodate acts, the terminal CH2OH group is oxidized to an aldehyde, giving formaldehyde as a direct product. The remaining fragment forms another carbonyl-containing piece, but formaldehyde is the characteristic, easily identifiable product from this oxidative cleavage of glycerol.

Periodate oxidation cleaves vicinal diols (1,2-diols) by breaking the bond between the two carbons bearing hydroxyl groups and converting each of those carbons into a carbonyl compound. Glycerol has 1,2-diols on its ends, so when periodate acts, the terminal CH2OH group is oxidized to an aldehyde, giving formaldehyde as a direct product. The remaining fragment forms another carbonyl-containing piece, but formaldehyde is the characteristic, easily identifiable product from this oxidative cleavage of glycerol.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy