A tertiary alcohol is not readily oxidised because the carbon carrying the hydroxyl group
Correct answer: C. has no hydrogen atom attached to it
- A. carries a positive charge
- B. is attached to a halogen
- C. has no hydrogen atom attached to it
- D. is part of a benzene ring
Explanation
Oxidation of an alcohol involves removing the hydroxyl hydrogen together with a hydrogen from the same carbon, and in a tertiary alcohol that carbon holds three alkyl groups and no hydrogen at all. It can only be oxidised under conditions vigorous enough to break carbon to carbon bonds. This difference is the basis of using acidified dichromate to distinguish the three classes of alcohol.
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About Alcohols
Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group attached to a saturated carbon atom and are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary. Their nomenclature, hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation, dehydration, reaction with sodium and conversion to haloalkanes are covered, along with the distinction between alcohols and phenols, where the hydroxyl group is attached directly to an aromatic ring.
Practise Alcohols and Phenols
535 free Alcohols and Phenols MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
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