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Ch.22 - Organic Chemistry
Chapter 22, Problem 73d

List the products of each alcohol reaction. d.
Chemical structure of an alcohol reacting with sodium dichromate and sulfuric acid.

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Identify the type of alcohol involved in the reaction. In this case, the alcohol is a primary alcohol because the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon atom that is connected to only one other carbon atom.
Recognize the reagents used in the reaction. Sodium dichromate (Na2Cr2O7) in the presence of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a strong oxidizing agent.
Understand the oxidation process for primary alcohols. Primary alcohols are typically oxidized to aldehydes and can further oxidize to carboxylic acids under strong oxidizing conditions.
Predict the intermediate product. The primary alcohol will first be oxidized to an aldehyde.
Predict the final product. Under the strong oxidizing conditions provided by Na2Cr2O7 and H2SO4, the aldehyde will further oxidize to a carboxylic acid.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Alcohol Oxidation

Alcohols can undergo oxidation reactions, where the hydroxyl (-OH) group is converted into a carbonyl group (C=O). This process typically involves oxidizing agents such as sodium dichromate (Na2Cr2O7) in acidic conditions. Depending on the type of alcohol (primary, secondary, or tertiary), the products can vary, leading to aldehydes, ketones, or carboxylic acids.
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Oxidizing Agents

Oxidizing agents are substances that facilitate the oxidation of other compounds by accepting electrons. In this reaction, sodium dichromate acts as a strong oxidizing agent, converting alcohols into their corresponding carbonyl compounds. The effectiveness of the oxidizing agent is crucial in determining the extent of oxidation and the final products formed.
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Reaction Conditions

The conditions under which a reaction occurs can significantly influence the outcome. In this case, the presence of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) provides an acidic environment that enhances the oxidation process. The temperature, concentration of reagents, and reaction time are also important factors that can affect the yield and type of products formed during the oxidation of alcohols.
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