Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2019 2019Moderate

Tertiary alcohols are not oxidized into carbonyl compounds because

Correct answer: B. They have no alpha-hydrogen

  • A. They contain more alkyl group
  • B. They have no alpha-hydrogen
  • C. Suitable oxidizing agent is not available
  • D. None of the above

Explanation

Tertiary alcohols are not oxidized by acidified sodium or potassium dichromate(VI) solution - there is no reaction whatsoever. During oxidation,oxidizing agent is removing the hydrogen from the -OH group, and a hydrogen from the carbon atom is attached to the -OH. Tertiary alcohols don't have a hydrogen atom attached to that carbon.

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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.

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