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

6022 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Elements in the periodic table show a trend in atomic radius. State and explain the trend in atomic radius from Li to F.


3-Methylpent-2-ene (CH3CH=C(CH3)CH2CH3) reacts with Hydrogen Chloride(HCl) forming a major and minor product. Please name the reaction, draw the mechanism for the formation of the major product and briefly explain why there is a major and a minor product.


A chemist has 3 beakers, each containing a pure sample of acetone (2-propanone), isopropanol (2-propanol) and propanal. Using chemical techniques, suggest how the chemist may be able to determine which beaker contains which sample. [4]


Write equations for the reaction of propanoic acid with methanol and name any organic products.


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