Question:

An organic compound 'A' on oxidation with pyridinium chlorochromate forms an aldehyde having the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{2}\text{H}_{4}\text{O}\). What is compound 'A'?

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PCC oxidises a primary alcohol to an aldehyde with the same number of carbon atoms.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • Methanol
  • Ethanol
  • Ethanal
  • Ethanoic acid
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) is a mild oxidising agent. It converts a primary alcohol to an aldehyde and stops there.

Step 2: Calculation
The aldehyde \(\text{C}_{2}\text{H}_{4}\text{O}\) is ethanal, \(\text{CH}_{3}\text{CHO}\). It has two carbon atoms, so A must be a two-carbon primary alcohol: \(\text{CH}_{3}\text{CH}_{2}\text{OH}\xrightarrow{\text{PCC}}\text{CH}_{3}\text{CHO}\).

Step 3: Compare the options
Methanol has one carbon. Ethanal is the product itself. Ethanoic acid is more oxidised than the aldehyde. So A is ethanol.

Final Answer:
Compound A is ethanol. \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{Ethanol}} \]
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