Consider the following reaction and identify (B)
\[\underset{{{H}_{3}}O}{\overset{C{{H}_{3}}C{{O}_{3}}H}{\mathop{\to }}}\,\]\[(B)\]
A. 
B. 
C. 
D. 
Answer
301.8k+ views
Hint: The reaction given in the question is an epoxidation reaction where an alkene is subjected to a peroxyacid to convert it into an epoxide. We can also say that epoxidation is the electrophilic addition of oxygen to the double bond of the alkene. That is what actually happens here and we must keep that in mind while solving this reaction.
Complete step by step answer:
An epoxide is a 3-membered ring containing two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. We can consider it to be cyclic ether. It is interesting because it is easily opened due to small ring strain and due to the electronegativity of the oxygen atom.
The mechanism of this reaction is a little complex. While it is considered a single step reaction, it involves several changes. The double bond is our nucleophile and attacks the more electrophilic oxygen. This breaks the weak oxygen-oxygen bond and creates a new carbonyl. Once this carbonyl is formed, rearrangement occurs and the more electrophilic oxygen is released to become the oxygen of the epoxide.
The oxygen can only attack from one face of the alkene. This means that the stereochemistry of the alkene is retained. If we start with a cis alkene we will get a cis epoxide. If we start with a trans alkene, we will get a trans epoxide.

Hence, Option (C) is the correct answer.
Additional information:
Generally, we use peroxy acids in this electrophilic addition to the alkene. A peroxy acid is like a carboxylic acid, but has two oxygen atoms bonded to each other.
Note: This reaction is versatile, and works on many different alkenes. But we remember that the reaction will not work on the double bonds of an aromatic compound. Epoxides are essential from the examination point of view and we can expect at least one question on this.
Complete step by step answer:
An epoxide is a 3-membered ring containing two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. We can consider it to be cyclic ether. It is interesting because it is easily opened due to small ring strain and due to the electronegativity of the oxygen atom.
The mechanism of this reaction is a little complex. While it is considered a single step reaction, it involves several changes. The double bond is our nucleophile and attacks the more electrophilic oxygen. This breaks the weak oxygen-oxygen bond and creates a new carbonyl. Once this carbonyl is formed, rearrangement occurs and the more electrophilic oxygen is released to become the oxygen of the epoxide.
The oxygen can only attack from one face of the alkene. This means that the stereochemistry of the alkene is retained. If we start with a cis alkene we will get a cis epoxide. If we start with a trans alkene, we will get a trans epoxide.

Hence, Option (C) is the correct answer.
Additional information:
Generally, we use peroxy acids in this electrophilic addition to the alkene. A peroxy acid is like a carboxylic acid, but has two oxygen atoms bonded to each other.
Note: This reaction is versatile, and works on many different alkenes. But we remember that the reaction will not work on the double bonds of an aromatic compound. Epoxides are essential from the examination point of view and we can expect at least one question on this.
Recently Updated Pages
Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous class 12 chemistry JEE_Main

What is isoelectric point class 12 chemistry JEE_Main

Chlorobenzene is extremely less reactive towards a class 12 chemistry JEE_Main

In order to convert Aniline into chlorobenzene the class 12 chemistry JEE_Main

Give one chemical test to distinguish between the following class 12 chemistry JEE_Main

The coordination number of an atom in a fcc lattice class 12 chemistry JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Other Pages
NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 2 Electrochemistry - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 1 Solutions - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 3 Chemical Kinetics - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

CBSE Notes Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 1 - Solutions - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 6 Haloalkanes and Haloarenes - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-In Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7 Alcohol Phenol And Ether - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

