A student is investigating oxidation products of alcohols using acidified potassium dichromate(VI), \(\mathrm{K_2Cr_2O_7/H_2SO_4}\), and gentle heating.
They test two unknown, pure, liquid alcohols separately under two different sets of conditions:
The student records the following observations and test results:
| Alcohol | Structural information provided | Condition 1: main organic product(s) detected | Condition 2: main organic product(s) detected | Additional test results on Condition 1 distillate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | Straight-chain, four carbons | An aldehyde | A carboxylic acid | Gives a positive Tollens’ test; does not react with \(\mathrm{NaHCO_3(aq)}\) |
| Y | Four carbons, but not straight-chain | A ketone | A ketone | Gives a negative Tollens’ test |
Assume the oxidising agent is in excess in both conditions, and that the only functional group in each alcohol is the hydroxyl group.
Alcohol Y has four carbons but is not straight-chain. Propose one possible structure for alcohol Y and name the ketone formed on oxidation.
Marking your answer...
This may take a few seconds
Sign up for free to see your full marking breakdown and personalised study recommendations.
Create Free Account Log inThis is a free HSC HSC Chemistry practice question worth 4 marks, testing your understanding of Investigate the products of the oxidation. It falls under Alcohols in Module 7: Module 7: Organic Chemistry. Submit your answer above to receive instant AI-powered marking and personalised feedback.
Students focus on the principles and applications of chemical synthesis in the field of organic chemistry. Current and future applications of chemistry include techniques to synthesise new substances – including pharmaceuticals, fuels and polymers – to meet the needs of society. Each class of organic compounds displays characteristic chemical properties and undergoes specific reactions based on the functional groups present. These reactions, including acid/base and oxidation reactions, are used to identify the class of an organic compound. In this module, students investigate the many classes of organic compounds and their characteristic chemical reactions. By considering the primary, secondary and tertiary structures of organic materials, students are provided with opportunities to gain an understanding of the properties of materials – including strength, density and biodegradability – and relate these to proteins, carbohydrates and synthetic polymers.
Inquiry question: How can alcohols be produced and what are their properties?
investigate the products of the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols
StudyPulse has thousands of HSC Chemistry questions with full AI feedback, mark breakdowns, progress tracking, and study notes across every Content Point point including Investigate the products of the oxidation.
