Question:

An unsaturated organic compound, \(X\), on reaction with hot, acidified \(KMnO_4\) gives succinic acid. What is \(X\)?

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Hot acidified \(KMnO_4\) cleaves double bonds. Cyclic alkenes form dicarboxylic acids after ring opening.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2026
  • Cyclopentene
  • Cyclopropene
  • Cyclobutene
  • 2-Butene
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the reaction with hot acidified \(KMnO_4\).
Hot acidified potassium permanganate causes oxidative cleavage of carbon-carbon double bonds.
In cyclic alkenes, cleavage of the double bond opens the ring and forms a dicarboxylic acid.

Step 2: Identify the product required.
The product given is succinic acid: \[ HOOC-CH_2-CH_2-COOH \] Succinic acid contains four carbon atoms.

Step 3: Select the cyclic alkene that gives succinic acid.
Cyclobutene has four carbon atoms in a ring: \[ C_4H_6 \] On oxidative cleavage with hot acidified \(KMnO_4\), cyclobutene ring opens to give: \[ HOOC-CH_2-CH_2-COOH \] This product is succinic acid.

Step 4: Check other options.
Cyclopentene gives glutaric acid because it has five carbon atoms.
Cyclopropene gives malonic acid because it has three carbon atoms.
2-Butene gives acetic acid on oxidative cleavage, not succinic acid.

Step 5: Final conclusion.
Therefore, the compound \(X\) is \[ \boxed{\text{Cyclobutene}} \]
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