What type of compound is obtained if an acid undergoes oxidation?

When an acid undergoes oxidation, the product that is commonly formed can be a ketone, particularly when the acid involved is a secondary or tertiary alcohol that has been oxidized. The oxidation of certain acids can lead to the formation of ketones where the molecular structure allows for the cleavage of bonds to yield these compounds.

In organic chemistry, acids can be oxidized to produce various functional groups depending on the structure of the acid itself. For instance, when a primary alcohol is oxidized, it typically forms an aldehyde, which can further be oxidized to a carboxylic acid. Secondary alcohols, when oxidized, yield ketones directly, while tertiary alcohols can be more resistant to oxidation and may not yield a straightforward product.

Understanding the nature of the acid and its structural characteristics is key when predicting the outcome of oxidation reactions. In the case of secondary acids being oxidized, the result is frequently a ketone, making this answer consistent with organic reaction mechanisms.