Chemistry Carboxylic Acids UHS 2023
PMDC Verified Question 23 of 94
Complete oxidation of alcohol gives which of the following?
A
Aldehyde
B
Alkane
C
Carboxylic acid
D
Ketone
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: Carboxylic acid
Concept:

The oxidation state of the central carbon in a primary alcohol can be sequentially increased by removing hydrogen and adding oxygen bonds.

Formula:

$$ \text{R-CH}_2\text{OH} \xrightarrow{[\text{O}]} \text{R-CHO} \xrightarrow{[\text{O}]} \text{R-COOH} $$

Solution:

  • Mild oxidation of a primary alcohol yields an aldehyde (partial oxidation).


  • Complete (exhaustive) oxidation using strong agents like acidified \( \text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7 \) or \( \text{KMnO}_4 \) pushes the reaction all the way to a carboxylic acid.


Why other options are incorrect:

Aldehydes are intermediate (incomplete) products. Alkanes require reduction, not oxidation. Ketones are formed from secondary alcohols, which cannot be further oxidized without breaking carbon-carbon bonds.

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