When testing for primary, secondary, and teritary alcohols what is the testing reagent and the results of the test?

Testing reagent= Acidified solution of potassium dichromate (VI). The alcohol is added and the mixture is heated.

For a primary alcohol- the mixture changes from orange (Cr2O72-) to green (Cr3+) and the product is an aldehyde.

Secondary alcohol – the mixture changes from orange (Cr2O72-) to green (Cr3+) and the product is a ketone.

Tertiary alcohol – no reaction. The mixture stays orange.

AG
Answered by Anna G. Chemistry tutor

21991 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why are solutions of transition metal ions often coloured


Describe the products of the following Friedl-Crafts substitution and explain the role of the AlCl3 in the reaction: C6H6 + CH3C(O)Cl + AlCl3 = ?


Devise a simple synthetic route to an amide from a carboxylic acid. Give a mechanism for the final step and explain why the reagents are not added 1:1 in the final step


Why are complex ions containing transition elements coloured?


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