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

4738 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does the solubility of Group 2 hydroxides in water increase down the group?


Explain how a catalyst works to increase the rate of reaction


What is meant by an ion being 'polarising' - and how does that determine if something is ionic/covalent?


Explain why the trend in ionisation energy changes between group 5 and 6


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning