Solution
Core Logic
Let's deduce the identities stepwise:
- Compound (X) has the formula C₃H₆O and is resistant to mild oxidation, which identifies it as a ketone: Acetone (CH₃COCH₃).
- Reduction of Acetone yields a secondary alcohol, Propan-2-ol (CH₃CH(OH)CH₃, Compound Y).
- Treatment of Propan-2-ol with HBr substitutes the hydroxyl group to form 2-Bromopropane (CH₃CH(Br)CH₃, Compound Z).
- Reacting 2-Bromopropane with Magnesium in ether creates the branched Grignard reagent, Isopropylmagnesium bromide ((CH₃)₂CHMgBr).
- Finally, nucleophilic addition of this Grignard reagent to Acetone followed by aqueous workup yields the highly branched tertiary alcohol: 2,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol.
Pattern Recognition
Resistance to mild oxidation immediately distinguishes ketones from isomeric aldehydes. Nucleophilic addition of an isopropyl Grignard to acetone cleanly yields the 2,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol framework.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Chemistry: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Class 12 Chemistry: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers