When exactly of glycerol (propane-1,2,3-triol) is completely oxidized and cleaved by an excess of pe — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The oxidative cleavage of glycerol by $HIO_4$ breaks both $C-C$ bonds. The two terminal primary alcohol groups ($-CH_2OH$) are oxidized to two moles of methanal ($HCHO$). The central secondary alcohol group ($-CHOH-$) is doubly oxidized to one mole of methanoic acid (formic acid, $HCOOH$). Thus, 2 moles of methanal are produced.