How would you synthesise an carboxylic acid just from a primary haloalkane like bromoethane?

Nucleophilic substitution using NaOH to convert haloalkane to primary alcohol. This is a mechanism that you need to know for the exam. Then oxidise the alcohol by refluxing with acidified potassium dichromate to form the carboxylic acid. Reflux needed because if it isn't heated enough, the aldehyde would form instead! Step 1 : RBr + NaOH --> ROH + NaBr Step 2 : ROH + 2[O] --> RCOOH + H2O

OW
Answered by Ollie W. Chemistry tutor

4436 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a transition metal complex?


Describe a two step reaction route that can convert 1-Butene (CH2CHCH2CH3) into a compound that is more soluble in water. Use mechanisms to aid your answer (HINT: one of the steps involves nucleophilic substitution)


What does ‘aromatic’ mean?


What is the rate-determining step?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning