Geo-Scientist Prelims 2025 Chemistry Q101: The natural product X (C₈H₁₇N) on zinc distillation followed by…

The natural product X (C₈H₁₇N) on zinc distillation followed by KMnO₄ oxidation forms pyridine-2-carboxylic acid. The reaction of X with HI at 300°C under pressure forms n-octane. The compound X consumes two moles of MeI to form quaternary ammonium salt which undergoes Hofmann degradation to form octa-1,4-diene. The subsequent reduction of octa-1,4-diene forms n-octane. On the basis of these chemical evidences, what is the structure of an unknown compound X ?

1. (a) 1-Methyl-2-ethylpiperidine
2. (b) 3-Ethyl-2-methylpiperidine
3. (c) 3-Propylpiperidine
4. (d) 2-Propylpiperidine