To determine the major product in the reaction shown, we need to understand the reaction and the reagents involved.
The reaction involves a chiral alcohol being oxidized by potassium permanganate (\(\text{KMnO}_4\)). Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent, typically converting primary alcohols to carboxylic acids.
The starting compound is (S)-2-methylbutanol. During the oxidation process:
The -OH group of the primary alcohol is oxidized to a carboxylic acid group (-COOH).
The chiral center is maintained, retaining the (S)-configuration due to the reaction being stereospecific.
Thus, the product formed is (S)-(+)-2-methylbutanoic acid.
The correct answer is therefore (S)‐(+)‐2‐methylbutanoic acid.
Explanation of other options:
(S)‐(‐)‐2‐methylbutanoic acid: This would imply a different optical rotation, which does not occur here.
(S)‐(+)‐2‐methylbutanol: This is the starting material, not the product.
(S)‐(‐)‐2‐methylbutanol: Again, this relates to a different optical configuration and not the oxidized product.
