Question

Synthesize 4-octanone from n-butyl alcohol as your only source of carbon. You may use any other necessary reagents?

Answer 1

have you learnt how to use grignard reagents?

Answer 2

,,,thats it , he gave the clue,,,alchol->alkyl halide -> RMgX-> (alc converted to aldehyde +RMgX) -> hydrolyse -> u get alcohol -> oxidise to ketone

Answer 3

I agree with @aaronq as that is a good method. Maybe react the n-butanol in thionyl chloride to get butyl-chloride and then grignard.