Question detail
When an aldehyde is oxidized, which of the following changes occurs?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)
Question
- A. Increase in hydrogen atoms
- B. Decrease in carbon atoms
- C. Increase in oxygen atoms
- D. Decrease in oxygen atoms
Answer
Increase in oxygen atoms
Explanation
During the oxidation of an aldehyde, oxygen is added to the molecule, resulting in an increase in the number of oxygen atoms. This transformation changes the aldehyde into a carboxylic acid.
Common mistake
Confusing Aldehydes and Ketones
Students often confuse aldehydes with ketones, thinking both can be oxidized to carboxylic acids.
Remember that only aldehydes can be oxidized to carboxylic acids, while ketones cannot. Use the structure of the carbonyl group to identify them: aldehydes have the carbonyl group at the end of the carbon chain, while ketones have it within the chain.
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