Which reagent is commonly used to oxidize primary alcohols to aldehydes?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which reagent is commonly used to oxidize primary alcohols to aldehydes?
KMnO4
PCC
Na2Cr2O7
H2SO4
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which reagent is commonly used to oxidize primary alcohols to aldehydes?
Step 1: Understand what a primary alcohol is. A primary alcohol has the hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon that is connected to only one other carbon.
Step 2: Learn about oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that involves the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state.
Step 3: Know that when primary alcohols are oxidized, they can be converted into aldehydes.
Step 4: Identify the reagent used for this oxidation. Pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) is a specific chemical that can oxidize primary alcohols.
Step 5: Recognize that PCC is considered a mild oxidizing agent, meaning it can perform the oxidation without further oxidizing the aldehyde to a carboxylic acid.
