Problem 1


Compound W, C3H8O, reacts with hot concentrated phosphoric acid to give X, C3H6, which rapidly decolourises a solution of bromine in tetrachloromethane. On treatment with ethanoyl chloride, W gives Y, C5H10O2. Oxidation of W with potassium dichromate in dilute sulphuric acid gives Z, C3H6O, which gives an orange precipitate with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine but does not react with an ammoniacal solution of silver nitrate.

Deduce the structures of W, X, Y and Z, explaining carefully what each piece of evidence tells you.


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