Question

Write the reaction for the conversion of cyclohexene to adipic acid.

Answer 1

The conversion of cyclohexene to adipic acid involves oxidative cleavage of the double bond in cyclohexene using strong oxidizing agents. The reaction proceeds as follows:

Reaction: \[\ce{Cyclohexene + [O] → Adipic Acid}\]

Oxidation of Cyclohexene: Cyclohexene (C₆H₁₀) is treated with a strong oxidizing agent such as:

• • Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) in acidic conditions
  • Nitric acid (HNO₃)
  • Ozonolysis (O₃) followed by oxidative workup (H₂O₂ or HNO₃)

Cleavage of Double Bond: The C=C double bond is broken, leading to the formation of adipic acid (HOOC–(CH₂)₄–COOH).

Reaction:

\[\ce{C6​H10​+6[O]→HOOC−(CH2​)4​−COOH}\]