Oxidative Cleavage of Alkenes with KMnO4

Steps:

• Hot concentrated acidified KMnO4 cleaves the C=C bond oxidatively.
• Each carbon of the double bond becomes a carbonyl: =CH2 to CO2, =CHR to RCOOH, =CR2 to RCOR.
• A single product indicates a symmetrical alkene where both sides yield identical fragments.
• Identify the alkene that, upon cleavage, gives one unique carboxylic acid or ketone.

Why D is correct:

• Option D shows a symmetrical alkene (e.g., 2-butene) that cleaves to two identical acetic acid molecules, matching the single product.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Unsymmetrical alkene yields two different products (e.g., formic and acetic acid).
• B: Terminal alkene produces CO2 and a distinct carboxylic acid, not single organic product.
• C: Disubstituted unsymmetrical alkene gives a ketone and carboxylic acid mixture.

Final answer: D