When CH3-CH2-OH is oxidized in the presence of K2Cr2O7 and H2SO4, the product formed is:

Correct answer: A. A

  • A. A
  • B. B
  • C. C
  • D. D

Explanation

When CH3-CH2-OH is oxidized in the presence of K2Cr2O7 and H2SO4, the product formed is ethanal (acetaldehyde), which can further oxidize to give ethanoic acid (acetic acid) as follows:CH3-CH2-OH + [O] → CH3-CHO + H2OCH3-CHO + [O] → H3C-CO-OHThe oxidation of alcohol to aldehyde is a partial oxidation, and the further oxidation of aldehyde to carboxylic acid is a complete oxidation. The presence of the K2Cr2O7 and H2SO4 provide the necessary oxidizing conditions.

This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2012 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.

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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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