Question

Give a breakdown on reduction and oxidation with relation to alcohols and the possible reagents that are used to do so.

Answer 1

Note:- on oxidation , primary alcohol gives aldehyde and on further oxidation it yields carboxylicacid ,whereas secondary alcohol gives only ketone.

OXIDATION OF ALCOHOLS:-

Reagent used toh convert alcohol to aldehyde is chromium trioxide .

Whereas , acidified pottasium permanganate (a strong oxidising agent ) directly oxidises alcohol into carboxylic acid.

REDUCTION OF ALCOHOLS:-

The alcohols are reduced to corresponding hydrocarbons, by use of various reagents like concentrated sulfuric acid and acidic dehydration. Ehereas secondary and tertiary alcohols are reduced by dehydartion under milder condition by use of 85% phosphoric acid at 440 K temperature for secondary alcohols and 20% phosphoric acid at 358 K temperature for tertiary alcohols.