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

5572 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the reasons for the changes in reactivity of Phenol, Benzene and MethylBenzene


Work out the shape of an SF6 molecule


What is Le Chatelier's principle?


Q2. Calculate the pH of the solution formed after 50.0 cm^3 of 0.0108 mol/dm^3 aqueous sodium hydroxide are added to beaker B. Give your answer to 2 decimal places


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