Question

Write a short note on oxidation of alcohols. What are the different reactions involved, with suitable examples?

Answer 1

Oxidation reactions of alcohols

Explanation:

Some basic rules on this issue:
i. The products of oxidation reactions of alcohols relies on the substituents on the carbinol carbon.
ii. In order for each oxidation step to occur, H (hyrdogen) must be available on the carbinol carbon.
iii. Primary alcohols can be oxidized to aldehydes or finally to carboxylic acids.

In aqueous environment, the carboxylic acid is generally the primary product.

PCC or PDC, which are used in dichloro-methane, allow the oxidation to be halted at the intermediate aldehyde.

Secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones (and there is no further oxidization reaction).

Tertiary alcohols cannot be oxidized.

Common reagents used in these oxidization reactions are
Chromic acid, chromate salts, dichromate salts, and permanganate.