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

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is nucleophile?


What is the meaning of the term 'structural isomers'?


Describe how you would distinguish between separate samples of the two 2 0 4 stereoisomers of CH3CH2CH2CH2CH(OH)CN [2 marks]


How do buffer solutions work and how do you calculate the pH of a buffer solution?