Name the starting alcohol used in the following reaction.

• A. 1-methylcyclohexanol
• B. 3-methylhexanol
• C. 3-methylcyclohexanol
• D. 2-methylcyclohexanaol

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Examine the structure of the product shown in the image, focusing on the cyclohexane ring and the position of the methyl group and the hydroxyl group (OH).
2. Identify the position of the methyl substituent relative to the hydroxyl group on the cyclohexane ring. The product shows the methyl group attached to the third carbon relative to the carbon bearing the OH group.
3. Recall that the starting alcohol must have the hydroxyl group on the cyclohexane ring and the methyl substituent at the same position as in the product, which is the 3-position.
4. Compare the given options: 1-methylcyclohexanol has the methyl group on carbon 1, 2-methylcyclohexanol has it on carbon 2, and 3-methylhexanol is not a cyclohexane derivative but a straight chain alcohol.
5. Conclude that the starting alcohol is 3-methylcyclohexanol because it matches the position of the methyl group and the hydroxyl group in the product structure.