State the reagents and conditions for the formation of an aldehyde, starting from a primary-alcohol.

Answer: Heat with acidified potassium dichromate (IV), distilling off the aldehyde as it forms.
Explanation: To form an aldehyde from an alcohol the alcohol group must be oxidised. To do this we use potassium dichromate (IV) acidified by dilute sulfuric acid. We also need to heat the reaction mixture to overcome the activation energy required for the reaction. However, we do not want to heat under reflux else the once the aldehyde is formed it will be oxidised further to form a carboxyllic acid. Instead, we distill off the aldehyde product as it is formed.

TO
Answered by Tom O. Chemistry tutor

5419 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the trend in reactivity of Group 2 elements with chlorine as the group is descended?


Why are complex ions containing transition elements coloured?


What is hydrogen bonding and why does water have a higher boiling point than methanol?


Explain why the product of nucleophilic addition of a cyanide ion to the ketone CH3COCH2CH3 shows no optical activity


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