14.2 Reactions of Alcohols Flashcards
What types of reactions can alcohols undergo?
COMBUSTION
OXIDATION
SUBSTITUTION
DEHYDRATION
What is the general equation for combustion of an alcohol?
Alcohol + Oxygen ⟶ Carbon Dioxide + Water
Under what conditions does combustion occur?
high temperature
Is combustion exothermic or endothermic?
exothermic
Under what condition do alcohols become oxidised?
acidified potassium dichromate solution
K2Cr2O7 (aq) + H2SO4 (aq)
What is the oxidising agent in oxidation of alcohols/aldehydes?
acidified potassium dichromate ions
During oxidation, are potassium dichromate ions oxidised or reduced?
reduced
What is the colour change during oxidation of alcohols and the formation of what ion is responsible for this colour change?
orange to green
Cr3+
What is the general equation for oxidation of PRIMARY ALCOHOLS?
PARTIAL: Primary alcohol + [O] ⟶ Aldehyde + Water
COMPLETE: Primary alcohol + 2[O] ⟶ Carboxylic acid + Water
What organic product is formed when a PRIMARY alcohol undergoes oxidation under GENTLE HEATING + EXCESS ALCOHOL?
aldehyde
What organic product is formed when a PRIMARY alcohol undergoes oxidation under REFLUX + EXCESS OXIDISING AGENT?
carboxylic acid
What conditions are used in PARTIAL OXIDATION of PRIMARY alcohols?
GENTLE HEATING
EXCESS ALCOHOL - less complete oxidation
(∵ not enough oxidising agent to fully oxidise)
ALDEHYDE DISTILLED OUT - prevents further oxidation into carboxylic acid
What conditions are used in COMPLETE OXIDATION of PRIMARY alcohols?
REFLUX
EXCESS OXIDISING AGENT - make sure all alcohol molecules fully oxidised
What organic product is formed when a SECONDARY alcohol undergoes oxidation?
ketone
What conditions are used in the oxidation of SECONDARY alcohols?
reflux - ensure reaction is complete