State the reagents and conditions for the formation of an aldehyde, starting from a primary-alcohol.

Answer: Heat with acidified potassium dichromate (IV), distilling off the aldehyde as it forms.
Explanation: To form an aldehyde from an alcohol the alcohol group must be oxidised. To do this we use potassium dichromate (IV) acidified by dilute sulfuric acid. We also need to heat the reaction mixture to overcome the activation energy required for the reaction. However, we do not want to heat under reflux else the once the aldehyde is formed it will be oxidised further to form a carboxyllic acid. Instead, we distill off the aldehyde product as it is formed.

TO
Answered by Tom O. Chemistry tutor

5440 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Excess KCN(aq) is added to a solution of [Co(H2O)6]2+. Identify the complex ion formed and predict its shape and charge.


What is a stereoisomer?


Describe and explain the trend of reactivity of group 2 metals with water


How do I write the full equation of a cell from two half cells? (basic, with matching electron counts and no water/acid)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning