The reaction you are describing involves the oxidation of an alcohol using potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) in the presence of nitric acid (HNO₃).
The compound you've written, CH₃-CHOH-CH₃, is isopropanol (also known as propanol or 2-propanol). When isopropanol is oxidized, it can be converted to acetone (propanone).
Here's a balanced simplified version of the reaction:
- Oxidation Reaction: \[ \text{CH}_3\text{-CHOH-CH}_3 + 2 \text{KMnO}_4 + 3 \text{HNO}_3 \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COCH}_3 + 2 \text{MnO}_2 + 3 \text{KNO}_3 + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
In this reaction:
- Isopropanol (CH₃-CHOH-CH₃) is oxidized to acetone (CH₃COCH₃).
- KMnO₄ is reduced to MnO₂.
- Nitric acid is involved as an acid source and is also reduced to form potassium nitrate (KNO₃) and water.
Note: The use of KMnO₄ and HNO₃ denotes an oxidative medium, and the reaction conditions (such as concentration and temperature) will affect the outcome of the oxidation. Under strong oxidative conditions, further oxidation may occur, but the primary reaction leads to acetone formation.