Question

Iodoform test is not given by (a) 2 -pentanone (b) ethanol (c) ethanal (d) 3 -pentanone

Short answer

3-Pentanone does not give a positive iodoform test.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Iodoform Test

The iodoform test is a chemical reaction used to determine the presence of a methyl ketone group, \(-COCH_3\), or a methyl carbinol group, \(-CH(OH)CH_3\). An aldehyde or ketone must have at least one of these functional groups to give a positive iodoform test.

Analyzing 2-Pentanone

2-Pentanone has the structure \(CH_3COCH_2CH_2CH_3\). It contains a methyl ketone group \(-COCH_3\), so it will give a positive iodoform test.

Analyzing Ethanol

Ethanol (\(CH_3CH_2OH\)) can be oxidized to acetaldehyde (ethanal), which contains a methyl alcohol group \(-CH(OH)CH_3\). Thus, ethanol gives a positive iodoform test.

Analyzing Ethanal

Ethanal has the structure \(CH_3CHO\) and contains a methyl ketone group after oxidation. Therefore, ethanal will also give a positive iodoform test.

Analyzing 3-Pentanone

3-Pentanone has the structure \(CH_3CH_2COCH_2CH_3\). It lacks the \(-COCH_3\) or \(-CH(OH)CH_3\) groups necessary for the iodoform test, as neither are present in the molecule. Therefore, 3-pentanone does not give a positive iodoform test.

Key concepts

Methyl Ketone

Methyl ketones are organic compounds characterized by a specific functional group, COCH_3. This group is found in carbonyl-containing molecules where a methyl group, CH_3, is attached to a carbonyl carbon.
The iodoform test is specifically sensitive to the presence of methyl ketones. A reaction with iodine and a base triggers the formation of a yellow precipitate of iodoform, confirming their presence.
Methyl ketones are typically found in many organic molecules, and they play a crucial role in the predictability of certain chemical reactions.

• Common Methyl Ketones: Acetone, 2-pentanone
• Importance: Identification through chemical tests
• Test Result: Positive iodoform test

Methyl Carbinol

Methyl carbinol, also known as secondary alcohols with a specific structure, CH(OH)CH_3, are another group that reacts positively to the iodoform test.
These compounds contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a secondary carbon atom bonded to one methyl group.
Notably, ethanol is an example of a primary alcohol that can be oxidized to form a methyl carbinol, hence it can yield a positive result when tested.

• Structure: Contains one methyl and one hydroxyl group
• Example: Ethanol converts to this group
• Test Result: Positive iodoform test after oxidation

2-Pentanone

2-Pentanone is a five-carbon methyl ketone with a carbonyl group located on the second carbon.
It is represented as CH_3COCH_2CH_2CH_3.
This structure contains a methyl group directly adjacent to the carbonyl carbon, qualifying it as a methyl ketone.
As a result, when subjected to the iodoform test, 2-pentanone forms the distinctive yellow precipitate, indicating a positive outcome.
Understanding the presence of this functional group is key to predicting the iodoform test result.

• Structure: A carbonyl group at the second carbon
• Importance: Classified as a methyl ketone
• Test Result: Positive iodoform test

Ethanol

Ethanol, with the formula CH_3CH_2OH, is one of the simplest alcohols, often found in beverages and disinfectants.
Alone, ethanol does not contain a methyl ketone, yet it can be oxidized to ethanal. This conversion makes it bear a functional similarity to a methyl carbinol, amplifying its role in the iodoform test.
When ethanol is oxidized, it can give a positive iodoform test due to its ability to form ethanal, which contains the required group.

• Formula: CH_3CH_2OH
• Importance: Can undergo oxidation to form methyl carbinol-like structures
• Test Result: Positive iodoform test after oxidation

Ethanal

Ethanal, also called acetaldehyde, has the structure CH_3CHO. It belongs to the class of aldehydes but can also form functional groups similar to a methyl ketone, especially upon oxidation.
Its proximity to the methyl group allows ethanal to give a positive iodoform test.
This makes ethanal a fascinating compound in chemical reactions, working as an intermediary between simple acetates and more complex polymers.

• Structure: Simplest aldehyde and close chemical relationship to methyl ketones
• Usage: Found in synthetic organic chemistry
• Test Result: Positive iodoform test