Oxidation of alcohols
Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers · Chemistry
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Study notes
Oxidize: CH₃CH₂OH and (CH₃)₂CHOH with PCC vs KMnO₄. Step 1: CH₃CH₂OH (1°) + PCC (mild) → CH₃CHO (aldehyde, stops). Step 2: CH₃CH₂OH + hot KMnO₄ → CH₃COOH (acid, full oxidation). Step 3: (CH₃)₂CHOH (2°) + either → (CH₃)₂C=O (acetone, stops — no α-H to continue). Step 4: Oxidant strength + alcohol class decide the product!