Ochem Oxidation

[Blackjack21]

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In number 95 of the third top score test cyclopentene reacted with KMnO4 yields a cis-1,2 cyclopentadiol (not sure if i named it right, but its basically a cyclopentane ring with cis OH on the 1,2 carbons). I always thought KMnO4 would break open that double bond from cyclopentene and form a carboxylic acid on both ends where the double bong was broken?

 

[Forum Lurker]

According to Kaplan, cold, dilute, aqueous KMnO4 will produce a 1,2 diol. Hot, basic KMnO4 will cleave the double bond forming the 2 carboxylic acids. So it just depends on the conditions under which the reaction takes place.