During a quantitative analytical procedure, exactly of pure glycerol (propane-1,2,3-triol) is subjec — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
During a quantitative analytical procedure, exactly $1 \text{ mole}$ of pure glycerol (propane-1,2,3-triol) is subjected to complete oxidative cleavage by an excess of periodic acid ($HIO_4$). Exactly how many moles of $HIO_4$ are permanently consumed in this cleavage process?
Answer: 2
💡 Solution & Explanation
Glycerol ($HOCH_2-CHOH-CH_2OH$) contains two vicinal diol linkages. Periodic acid cleaves the $C-C$ bonds between adjacent hydroxyl-bearing carbons. Breaking the two $C-C$ bonds in the three-carbon chain of glycerol requires exactly 2 equivalents (moles) of $HIO_4$.
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