Oxidizing Alcohols Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Topic: Oxidizing Alcohols
• Focus: Practical process using mild oxidation agents

Preparation Steps

• Boil water then switch off Bunsen burner (flammability concern)
• Cool water to ~80 degrees Celsius

Oxidizing Agents

1. Acidified Potassium Dichromate

   • Initial Color: Orange

2. Fehling's Solution

   • Initial Color: Blue

3. Tollens' Reagent

   • Initial Color: Colorless

Procedure

• Place oxidizing agents in a water bath
• Add aldehyde to each agent
• Allow reaction to occur for a few minutes

Reaction Outcomes

• Fehling's Solution: Blue to Brick Red
  • Due to reduction of copper(II) ions to copper(I) ions
• Acidified Potassium Dichromate: Orange to Blue-Green
  • Due to reduction of dichromate ions to chromium ions
• Tollens' Reagent: Colorless to Silver-Mirror/Dark Brown
  • Due to reduction of silver ions to silver atoms

Identifying Aldehydes and Ketones

• Aldehydes can be oxidized to carboxylic acids; ketones cannot
• Compound X: No reaction with any agents (Ketone)
• Compound Y: Color change with all agents (Aldehyde)

Conclusion

• Color changes indicate positive results for aldehydes

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