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

4524 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is nucleophile?


There are three test tubes. One containing HCl, one containing HBr and containing HI. How could you identify which is in each test tube?


Relationship between moles and Avogadro's constant


Explain the trend in boiling points between HF, HCl and HBr.


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