Match each class of alkanol listed on the left with its characteristic oxidation behavior on the right when reacted with acidified potassium heptaoxodichromate(VI) solution.
- Primary alkanolOxidizes first to an alkanal and subsequently to an alkanoic acid
- Secondary alkanolOxidizes to form an alkanone (ketone)
- Tertiary alkanolResists oxidation under mild laboratory conditions
Answer
Primary alkanols pair with oxidation to an alkanal and then an alkanoic acid; secondary alkanols pair with oxidation to an alkanone; tertiary alkanols pair with resistance to oxidation under mild conditions.
Primary alkanols possess two alpha-hydrogens and oxidize in two steps to form alkanals and then alkanoic acids. Secondary alkanols possess one alpha-hydrogen and oxidize to form alkanones. Tertiary alkanols lack alpha-hydrogens entirely, rendering them resistant to oxidation under mild conditions.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Classification and oxidation products of alkanols