Which of the following alcohols cannot undergo an oxidation reaction?

• A. $2-butanol$
• B. $3-heptanol$
• C. $2-methyl-2-propanol$
• D. $1-propanol$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of oxidation in alcohols: Oxidation of alcohols typically involves the conversion of the alcohol group (-OH) into a carbonyl group (C=O). Primary alcohols can be oxidized to aldehydes and further to carboxylic acids, while secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones. Tertiary alcohols generally do not undergo oxidation because they lack a hydrogen atom on the carbon bearing the -OH group.
2. Identify the type of alcohol: Determine whether each alcohol is primary, secondary, or tertiary. This is crucial because the ability to undergo oxidation depends on the structure of the alcohol.
3. Analyze the structure of 2-butanol: 2-butanol is a secondary alcohol, which means it can be oxidized to a ketone.
4. Analyze the structure of 3-heptanol: 3-heptanol is also a secondary alcohol, capable of being oxidized to a ketone.
5. Analyze the structure of 2-methyl-2-propanol: 2-methyl-2-propanol is a tertiary alcohol. Tertiary alcohols do not undergo oxidation because they do not have a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon with the -OH group, making them resistant to oxidation.