Proton NMR of Ethan-1,2-diol

Chemistry AQA Synoptic June 05

20 Which one of the following pairs reacts to form an organic product with only 2 singlets in its
proton n.m.r. spectrum?

A ethene and bromine
B propan-2-ol and acidified potassium dichromate(VI)
C ethanol and concentrated sulphuric acid
D epoxyethane and water in the presence of dilute sulphuric acid

The correct answer is D......

Which leads me to ask the question, what does the "only" part of the question mean and how should I apply the use of this very simple to word to other questions??

Also what about B, wont that form a ketone with only 2 singlets in its proton NMR is the mark scheme wrong?

Exam on monday!!! argh!

Reply 1

GJS

only e.g. only two singlets, not three singlets,

but there could be other proton environments

no a propanone would have only one singlet

Reply 2

ffrann

I am doing the same question and found this thread by googling. Could anyone explain why ethan-1,2-diol isn't a singlet and a triplet? Surely the hydrogens attatched to each carbon have two nearest neighbours.