Q2 / 75 · JEE Main 2026 (23 January Shift 2) · Chemistry
A mixed ether $(\mathrm{P})$, when heated with excess of hot concentrated hydrogen iodide produces two different alkyl iodides which when treated with aq. NaOH give compounds $(\mathrm{Q})$ and $(\mathrm{R})$. Both $(\mathrm{Q})$ and $(\mathrm{R})$ give yellow precipitate with NaOI. Identify the mixed ether $(\mathrm{P})$ :
- Correct answerA

- B

- C

- D

Solution
The mixed ether (P) upon heating with conc. HI undergoes cleavage to form two different alkyl iodides.
Treatment with aq. NaOH converts these iodides to alcohols (Q) and (R).
Both (Q) and (R) giving yellow precipitate with NaOI indicates both are secondary or primary alcohols capable of iodoform reaction.
For both cleavage products to yield iodoform-positive alcohols, the mixed ether must have both alkyl groups capable of forming such alcohols.
Option (1) represents a symmetric mixed ether where both fragments upon HI cleavage yield alcohol products with methyl groups adjacent to OH (secondary alcohols) or methyl ketones after oxidation, both giving positive iodoform test.
Treatment with aq. NaOH converts these iodides to alcohols (Q) and (R).
Both (Q) and (R) giving yellow precipitate with NaOI indicates both are secondary or primary alcohols capable of iodoform reaction.
For both cleavage products to yield iodoform-positive alcohols, the mixed ether must have both alkyl groups capable of forming such alcohols.
Option (1) represents a symmetric mixed ether where both fragments upon HI cleavage yield alcohol products with methyl groups adjacent to OH (secondary alcohols) or methyl ketones after oxidation, both giving positive iodoform test.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.