Question detail
What happens to the hydroxyl group in alcohols when they react with oxidising agents?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Reactions of alkenes and alcohols (chemistry only)
Question
- A. It is replaced by a carbonyl group.
- B. It is converted into a halogen.
- C. It remains unchanged.
- D. It is converted into an alkene.
Answer
The correct option is It is replaced by a carbonyl group..
Explanation
The correct option is It is replaced by a carbonyl group.. It is replaced by a carbonyl group. is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to describe what happens when any of the first four alcohols react with an oxidising agent. This belongs to Alcohols within Reactions of alkenes and alcohols (chemistry only), so the answer must use the correct organic chemistry context. The other options are incorrect when they confuse the organic family, formula type, reaction condition, product, or property being tested. Keep molecular formula, structural formula, displayed formula, and general formula distinct. Do not confuse alkanes with alkenes, saturated with unsaturated, cracking with combustion, polymers with monomers, or hydrocarbons with oxygen-containing alcohols and carboxylic acids. When formulae are used, preserve the stored notation exactly and explain the GCSE chemistry idea in words rather than using unsupported displayed-formula diagrams.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Alcohol Reactions
Students often confuse the reaction of alcohols with oxidising agents, thinking it is similar to combustion reactions.
Focus on the specific changes that occur when alcohols are oxidised, such as the formation of aldehydes or carboxylic acids, rather than treating it like a combustion reaction.
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