What product is obtained when a primary alcohol (such as ethanol) is oxidized using an excess of strong oxidizing agent (such as potassium dichromate in acidic medium)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. A carboxylic acid
Primary alcohols are oxidized first to aldehydes, which are readily oxidized further by strong oxidizing agents (e.g., acidified potassium dichromate or permanganate) into carboxylic acids. Secondary alcohols oxidize to ketones and cannot oxidize further without breaking carbon-carbon bonds; tertiary alcohols do not oxidize under standard conditions.
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