What functional group is produced when a secondary alcohol such as propan-2-ol is oxidized using acidified potassium dichromate(VI)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Ketone (propanone)
- Step 1: Primary alcohols oxidize first to aldehydes, then upon further heating to carboxylic acids.
- Step 2: Secondary alcohols have only one hydrogen on the carbinol carbon; oxidation removes two hydrogens to form a ketone.
- Step 3: Propan-2-ol oxidizes cleanly to propanone (acetone) and cannot be oxidized further without breaking carbon-carbon bonds.
Answer
Ketone (propanone).
Why not the others: 'Aldehyde (propanal)' is formed by mild oxidation of primary alcohols; 'Carboxylic acid (propanoic acid)' results from vigorous oxidation of primary alcohols; 'Ester (propyl propanoate)' requires condensation of an acid and alcohol.
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