Question

which compound can be oxidized to a carboxylic acid?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall oxidation rules of organic compounds

Primary alcohols can be oxidized to carboxylic - acids through a two - step oxidation process (first to aldehydes and then to carboxylic acids). Secondary alcohols are oxidized to ketones and tertiary alcohols do not undergo oxidation under normal conditions. Alkenes do not directly oxidize to carboxylic acids in a simple oxidation process.

Step2: Identify the type of alcohol in each option

The first option is an alkene and does not directly oxidize to a carboxylic acid. The second and fifth options are secondary alcohols and will be oxidized to ketones. The third option is a tertiary alcohol and will not be oxidized. The fourth option is a primary alcohol ($\text{R}-\text{CH}_2\text{OH}$ structure), which can be oxidized to a carboxylic acid.

Answer:

The compound with the structure $\text{R}-\text{CH}_2\text{OH}$ (the fourth option in the image)