Sunday, 13 April 2014

Topic 10.4: Alcohols

10.4.1 Describe, using equations, the complete combustion of alcohols

The complete combustion of alcohols produces water and carbon dioxide. It is extremely important to remember the alcohols already have one oxygen atom in them already.


The equation should look something like this.



10.4.2 Describe, using equations, the oxidation reactions of alcohols

Oxidation reactions of alcohol require heating with an acidic solution of potassium dichromate (IV)

There are three types of alcohols depending on their degree of carbon, they will undergo different reactions.


Primary alcohols are oxidised to aldehydes, with the alcohol group becoming a carbonyl group

Repeating the same process for aldehydes would create carboxylic acids.



Secondary alcohols are oxidised to ketones. The ketones are unable to oxidise further.


Tertiary alcohols are unable to be oxidised.



10.4.3 Determine the products formed by the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols

The products formed by the oxidation of primary alcohols are aldehydes then carboxylic acids.

The products formed by the oxidation of secondary alchols are ketones.


No comments:

Post a Comment