R3.2 Electron transfer reactions

How do primary alcohols form aldehydes?

Through partial oxidation by distillation and heat

Excess alcohol used and aldehyde distilled as it’s produced

What can primary alcohols form upon oxidation?

Aldehyde (from heat and distillation)

Carboxylic acid (heat under reflux)

What is distillation?

Used to separate components of a mixture with different boiling points

How is distillation used upon the formation of aldehydes?

Aldehydes have weaker intermolecular forces than alcohols (and carboxylic acids)→ lower boiling points→they evaporate after heating and rises up the fractioning column→condensates to form liquid

True or false: primary alcohols can be converted to carboxylic acids directly

True. Complete oxidation as an excess oxidising agent is used and heated under reflux

How does reflux condenser work?

Prevents loss of solvent in mixture

Vapours rise up column, condense and flow back down

What’s formed after oxidation of secondary alcohol?

Ketones (heated under reflux)

What’s formed after oxidation of secondary alcohol?

Ketones (heated under reflux)

What are tertiary alcohols converted to upon oxidation?

Nothing, they can’t oxidise