Question

which compound can be oxidized to a carboxylic acid?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall oxidation rules of alcohols

Primary alcohols can be oxidized to carboxylic acids. Secondary alcohols are oxidized to ketones and tertiary alcohols are not easily oxidized to carboxylic - acids.

Step2: Identify alcohol types

The first structure is an alkene, not an alcohol, so it cannot be oxidized to a carboxylic acid. The second and fifth structures are secondary alcohols (the carbon - atom with the - OH group is bonded to two other carbon - atoms), which will be oxidized to ketones. The third structure is a tertiary alcohol (the carbon - atom with the - OH group is bonded to three other carbon - atoms), which is not easily oxidized to a carboxylic acid. The fourth structure is a primary alcohol (the carbon - atom with the - OH group is bonded to only one other carbon - atom), which can be oxidized to a carboxylic acid.

Answer:

The compound with the structure having a primary - OH group (the fourth structure in the image)