Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds

Oxidizing Agent

Organic Chemistry

13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds

Oxidizing Agent

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2:01 minutes

Problem 58

Textbook Question

In Hinkley, the cleanup continues today. In one process PG&E is using to mitigate the chromium(VI) toxicity, ethanol is injected into the soil. How would this reduce the chromium(VI) contamination?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the chemical nature of chromium(VI): Chromium(VI) is a toxic form of chromium that is highly oxidizing. It is often found in the form of chromate (CrO₄²⁻) or dichromate (Cr₂O₇²⁻) ions.

Recognize the role of ethanol: Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is an organic compound that can act as a reducing agent. In the presence of ethanol, chromium(VI) can be reduced to chromium(III), which is less toxic and less mobile in the environment.

Identify the reduction reaction: The reduction of chromium(VI) to chromium(III) involves the transfer of electrons from ethanol to chromium(VI). This can be represented by the general equation:

{Cr}_{2} (VI) + C H_{3} CH {OH}_{2} \to {Cr}_{3} (III) + CO H_{2} + H O_{2}

Consider the environmental impact: By reducing chromium(VI) to chromium(III), the toxicity and mobility of chromium in the soil are decreased, making it safer for the environment and reducing the risk to human health.

Evaluate the effectiveness of ethanol injection: The success of this method depends on factors such as the concentration of ethanol, the presence of other substances in the soil, and the specific conditions of the site. Monitoring and adjustments may be necessary to ensure optimal reduction of chromium(VI).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chromium(VI) Toxicity

Chromium(VI), also known as hexavalent chromium, is a highly toxic and carcinogenic form of chromium. It poses significant health risks to humans and the environment, primarily through contamination of water and soil. Understanding its toxicity is crucial for developing effective remediation strategies.

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between substances, leading to changes in oxidation states. In the context of chromium(VI) contamination, ethanol can act as a reducing agent, donating electrons to convert toxic chromium(VI) to the less harmful chromium(III), thereby mitigating its toxicity.

Role of Ethanol in Remediation

Ethanol is used in environmental remediation as a reducing agent to facilitate redox reactions. When injected into contaminated soil, ethanol can reduce chromium(VI) to chromium(III), a less toxic form. This process helps decrease the environmental and health risks associated with chromium(VI) contamination.

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Textbook Question

(a) Based on Figure 24.23, explain why meta-dihydroxybenzene is not oxidized to meta-quinone.

(b) If a meta-quinone is not produced, what would you expect the product of the oxidation of meta-dihydroxybenzene to be?

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Predict the product of the oxidation reactions shown.

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If there is no water present, the hydrate of an aldehyde cannot form. Could an aldehyde itself (not the hydrate) be oxidized to a carboxylic acid? Why?

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Identify the alcohols that would undergo oxidation to produce the following carbonyl compounds.

(b)

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Identify the alcohols that would undergo oxidation to produce the following carbonyl compounds.

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Oxidation of the phenol shown gives a single quinone product. Predict this product and explain why it is the only one formed.

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Predict the product of the following oxidation reactions.

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