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

4230 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can you tell if a reaction is endothermic or exothermic? Describe a way of determining if a reaction is exothermic or endothermic using simple laboratory equipment.


Determine whether a tertiary halogenoalkane will undergo a SN1 or SN2 reaction. Explain your choice.


Draw the mechanism for the reaction of an acid chloride with an alcohol to form an ester


What is the trend in reactivity of Group 2 elements with halogens as the group is descended?


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