Question

Name the oxidizing agent used in the conversion of alcohols into Carboxylic Acid.

Answer 1

Understanding the oxidation of alcohols:

• Alcohols are oxidized directly into carboxylic acid by using a 2-step oxidizing agent.
• Potassium Dichromate(${\mathrm{K}}_2{\mathrm{Cr}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_7$) or Sodium Dichromate (${\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{Cr}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_7$)in the acidic medium can be used as a 2-step oxidizing agent to oxidize the alcohol directly into Carboxylic Acid.
• Chromium oxide(${\mathrm{CrO}}_3$) in presence of dilute Sulphuric Acid (${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$) can also be used to oxidize alcohol directly into Carboxylic Acid.
• Potassium Permanganate (${\mathrm{KMnO}}_4$) is a strong oxidizing agent and it can directly convert alcohol into Carboxylic acid.
• Hence, Alkaline potassium permanganate(${\mathrm{KMnO}}_4$) is used for oxidizing alcohols to acids.