IB Chem Important Things

Primary alcohols to aldehydes

• reagent is acidified K₂Cr₂O₇, distill to ensure it is not completely oxidized

Primary alcohols to carboxylic acid

• reagent is acidified K₂Cr₂O₇, reflux to ensure complete oxidation

Secondary alcohols to ketones

reagent is acidified K₂Cr₂O₇, heat is needed

Alcohol → Halogenoalkane

• Reagent: HX (e.g., HCl) or PCl₅ or SOCl₂

• Condition: heat

Halogenoalkane → Alcohol

• Reagent: aqueous NaOH

• Condition: heat under reflux to ensure complete oxidation

Alkene → Alkane

• H₂, Ni catalyst

Alkene → Halogenoalkane

• HX (e.g., HBr)

Alkene → Dihalogenoalkane

• Br₂ (orange → colourless)

Alkene → Alcohol

• Steam, H₃PO₄ catalyst, high temp/pressure

Esterification

Carboxylic acid + Alcohol → Ester + Water

• Concentrated H₂SO₄, heat