Oxidation of alcohols and preparative techniquesEdexcel International A Level Chemistry: Mind map

Exam questions on Oxidation of alcohols and preparative techniques

1. A student warms propan-2-ol with acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution and notes the colour change. She then repeats the test with 2-methylpropan-2-ol.
   State what is seen with 2-methylpropan-2-ol and explain why.2 marks
2. Propan-1-ol is oxidised using acidified potassium dichromate(VI). In one experiment the product is distilled off as it forms; in a second experiment the mixture is heated under reflux.
   Write an equation, using [O] for the oxidising agent, for the oxidation of propanal to propanoic acid, and state the colour change of the oxidising agent.2 marks
3. In Core Practical 7 a student oxidises propan-1-ol. Boiling temperatures: propan-1-ol 97 °C, propanal 49 °C and propanoic acid 141 °C. The first preparation is designed to give propanal and the second to give propanoic acid.
   Explain why propanal can be isolated by distilling it out of the mixture as it forms.3 marks