Textbook Question
List the products of each alcohol reaction. d.
22. Organic Chemistry
Alcohol Reactions: Oxidation Reactions
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Which of the following alcohols cannot undergo an oxidation reaction?
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of oxidation in alcohols: Oxidation of alcohols typically involves the conversion of the alcohol group (-OH) into a carbonyl group (C=O). Primary alcohols can be oxidized to aldehydes and further to carboxylic acids, while secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones. Tertiary alcohols generally do not undergo oxidation because they lack a hydrogen atom on the carbon bearing the -OH group.
Identify the type of alcohol: Determine whether each alcohol is primary, secondary, or tertiary. This is crucial because the ability to undergo oxidation depends on the structure of the alcohol.
Analyze the structure of 2-butanol: 2-butanol is a secondary alcohol, which means it can be oxidized to a ketone.
Analyze the structure of 3-heptanol: 3-heptanol is also a secondary alcohol, capable of being oxidized to a ketone.
Analyze the structure of 2-methyl-2-propanol: 2-methyl-2-propanol is a tertiary alcohol. Tertiary alcohols do not undergo oxidation because they do not have a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon with the -OH group, making them resistant to oxidation.
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