MCAT Organic Chemistry Question 50: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 50

5. Rank the following in order of decreasing oxidation state: amine, carboxylic acid, aldehyde, alkane

  • A. Aldehyde, amine, alkane, carboxylic acid
  • B. Carboxylic acid, aldehyde, amine, alkane
  • C. Carboxylic acid, amine, aldehyde, alkane
  • D. Alkane, amine, aldehyde, carboxylic acid

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Carboxylic acids are the second most oxidized form of carbon (only carbon dioxide is more oxidized). In carboxylic acids, the carbon atom has three bonds to oxygen. In aldehydes, the carbon atom has two bonds to oxygen. In amines, the carbon atom has one bond to nitrogen. In an alkane, the carbon only has bonds to other carbons and hydrogens.

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