Alcohols (Organic)

Question 1

Describe the three reactions that could occur when a primary alcohol is oxidised?
Give general equations. (How would you write the oxidising agents in the reaction)

Answer 1

• Oxidation:
  1. reflux; primary alcohol + K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 —> carboxylic acid + H2O
  2. heat and distil off product; primary alcohol + K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 —> aldehyde + H2O
  3. heat and distil aldehyde from 2; aldehyde + K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 —> carboxylic acid

finish

Question 2

How do you do reflux? (Reactions of alcohols)

Answer 2

• Distillation without separating the reactants, where the gases cool before they can escape.