Chapter 20, Problem 70QAP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The question asks one to write the equations corresponding to the oxidation of a primary alcohol and a secondary alcohol. Also one needs to specify the structure of each alcohol and the principal products of oxidation.

Concept Introduction:

Monohydric alcohols can be categorized into three types as primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols.

AS shown above in primary alcohols carbon with the −OH group is bonded to only one carbon whereas in secondary alcohols, carbon with the −OH group is bonded to two other carbon atoms. In tertiary alcohols(not shown here), carbon with the −OH group is bonded to three other carbon atoms.

In the alcohols the −OH bond is polarized placing partially negative charge on O atom while placing a partially positive charge on the alkyl carbon atom of the R-OH bond. Hence due to the inter molecular hydrogen bonds formed between alcohol molecules, their boiling points have higher values compared to the alkanes and ethers with comparable relative molecular masses.