In which of the following compounds, carbon number is decreased duringthe oxidation:

Explanation

In Ketone carbon atom decreased because a carboxylic acid is also formed when Oxidation occurOxidation of Ketones:Ketones do not undergo oxidation easily because they require breaking of strong carbon - carbon bond. They give no reaction with mild oxidising agents. They are only oxidised by strong oxidising agents such as K2Cr2O7/ H2SO4 , KMnO4/ H2SO4, and conc. HNO3. In oxidation of ketones, only the carbon atoms adjacent to the carbonyl group are attacked. The carbon atom joined to the smaller number of hydrogen atoms is preferentially oxidised. In case of symmetrical ketones only one carbon atom adjacent to the carbony group is oxidised and a mixture of two carboxylic acids is always obtained. However, in case of unsymmetrical ketones, the carbon atom joined to the smaller number of hydrogen atoms is preferentially oxidised and the carbonyl group remains with the smaller alkyl group.