Question

Is ${\mathrm{Ag}}_2\mathrm{O}$ a mild oxidizing agent?

Answer 1

Oxidizing agent:

1. An oxidizing agent is a compound that has the ability to oxidize other compounds, causing them to lose electrons and hence raise their oxidation state.
2. Mild oxidizing agents do not convert alcohol to carboxylic acids entirely. However, the reaction will stop at ketone. only. Example Pyridinium chlorochromate, Silver oxide.
3. To convert ethanol into ethanoic acid, silver oxide is used.
4. $\underset{\mathrm{Ethanal}}{{\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{CHO}}\stackrel{{\mathrm{Ag}}_2\mathrm{O}}{\to }\underset{\mathrm{Ethanoic}\mathrm{acid}}{{\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}}$

Therefore, ${\mathrm{Ag}}_2\mathrm{O}$ is a mild oxidizing agent.