Carbonyl Compunds (Aldehydes and Ketones) Flashcards
What is the strong oxidising agent used in the oxidation of alcohols?
Acidified potassium dichromate(VI)
What is the process of oxidation?
When the -OH group is oxidised by strong oxidising agents
What happens to the acidified potassium dichromate(VI) during the oxidation of alcohols?
Goes from orange to green
What is formed when alcohols are oxidised?
A carbonyl compound (aldehyde or ketone) depends on the type of alcohol being oxidised
How is the carbonyl group formed?
Two hydrogens are removed - one from the oxygen and one from the carbon
What is required for the oxidation of alcohols to take place?
A hydrogen atom on a carbon atom to which a -OH group is also attached
What is formed when a primary alcohol is oxidised?
Aldehyde
What happens if a aldehyde gets oxidised itself?
Forms a carboxlyic acid
What is formed if a secondary alcohol is oxidised?
Ketone
Can you further oxidise a ketone?
No as it has no more hydrogen atoms (would involve breaking the C-C bond which is very hard)
What happens when a tertiary alcohol is oxidised?
Nothing - tertiary alcohols cannot be oxidised
Why cannot a tertiary alcohol be oxidised?
It doesn’t have a hydrogen atom on a carbon atom that is also attached to a - OH group
How can an aldehyde be extracted as a intermediate product?
The aldehyde is distilled from the reaction mixture - prevents it from being oxidised further
What are the reagents and conditions for the oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes?
Heat with acidified potassium dichromate solution; distill
What are the reagents and conditions for the oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxlyic acids?
Heat with excess acidified potassium dichromate solution; heat under reflux
