Question detail
What reagent is commonly used to oxidize alcohols?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Alcohols
Question
- A. Sodium hydroxide
- B. Potassium dichromate
- C. Hydrochloric acid
- D. Sodium chloride
Answer
Potassium dichromate
Explanation
Potassium dichromate is a strong oxidizing agent used in the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones.
Common mistake
Oxidation State Confusion
Students often confuse the oxidation states of primary and secondary alcohols, mistakenly thinking they are the same.
To clarify, remember that primary alcohols (like ethanol) have one alkyl group attached to the carbon with the hydroxyl group, while secondary alcohols (like isopropanol) have two alkyl groups attached. This affects their oxidation reactions. For example, the oxidation of ethanol (C2H5OH) to ethanal (C2H4O) involves the loss of two hydrogen atoms, while the oxidation of isopropanol (C3H8O) to acetone (C3H6O) involves the loss of two hydrogen atoms as well, but the structure and the resulting products differ. Always identify the structure first before determining the oxidation process.
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