Which of the following statements about the oxidation of alcohols is true? A) Tertiary alcohols can be oxidized to carboxylic acids B) Secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones... Which of the following statements about the oxidation of alcohols is true? A) Tertiary alcohols can be oxidized to carboxylic acids B) Secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones C) All alcohols are oxidized to phenols D) Primary alcohols can only be oxidized to aldehydes
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which statement regarding the oxidation of alcohols is correct. It requires knowledge of organic chemistry and the oxidation processes of different types of alcohols.
Answer
Secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones.
Secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones.
Answer for screen readers
Secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones.
More Information
Secondary alcohols, when oxidized, typically form ketones. This is a common reaction in organic chemistry and distinguishes secondary alcohols from primary alcohols, which can be oxidized to either aldehydes or further to carboxylic acids.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume tertiary alcohols can be oxidized easily. They actually resist oxidation due to the lack of a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon with the -OH group.
Sources
- The Oxidation of Alcohols - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- which of the following would result from the oxidation of secondary ... - homework.study.com