Does all alcohol undergo halogenation and controlled oxidation?

Thread starter maddy777
Start date Jul 6, 2009
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Alcohol Oxidation

In summary, halogenation is a chemical reaction that replaces a hydrogen atom in an alcohol molecule with a halogen atom, but not all alcohols can undergo this reaction. Controlled oxidation, on the other hand, is a process that converts alcohol into an aldehyde or ketone, but only primary and secondary alcohols are able to undergo this reaction. Both halogenation and controlled oxidation serve the purpose of introducing new functional groups into the molecule, but there are risks involved with these reactions such as the use of hazardous chemicals and potential formation of unwanted byproducts.

Jul 6, 2009

maddy777

This is the question from the lab of "comparision of three isomers of butanol" GR 12 pg 84

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Jul 7, 2009

chemisttree

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Could you oxidize t-butanol and still maintain the t-butyl structure? Tell us about the three isomers of butanol you are familiar with, please.

Jul 8, 2009

maddy777

there is no reaction if you try to oxidise t-butanol (tertiary alcohol) with kmno4.

1. Does all alcohol undergo halogenation?

No, not all alcohols undergo halogenation. Halogenation is a chemical reaction that involves replacing a hydrogen atom in the alcohol molecule with a halogen atom, such as chlorine or bromine. This reaction typically occurs with primary and secondary alcohols, but not with tertiary alcohols.

2. What is controlled oxidation in relation to alcohol?

Controlled oxidation is a process in which alcohol is converted into an aldehyde or a ketone by reacting it with an oxidizing agent, such as potassium permanganate or chromic acid. This reaction is often used in organic synthesis to create specific compounds from alcohols.

3. Can any type of alcohol undergo controlled oxidation?

No, not all alcohols can undergo controlled oxidation. Primary alcohols can be oxidized to aldehydes, while secondary alcohols can be oxidized to ketones. However, tertiary alcohols cannot undergo controlled oxidation as they do not have a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom bonded to the hydroxyl group.

4. What is the purpose of halogenation and controlled oxidation in alcohol?

The purpose of halogenation and controlled oxidation in alcohol is to introduce new functional groups into the molecule, which can lead to the creation of new compounds with different properties. This allows for a wider range of applications and uses for alcohols in various industries.

5. Are there any risks associated with halogenation and controlled oxidation of alcohol?

Yes, there can be risks associated with halogenation and controlled oxidation of alcohol. These reactions often involve strong and potentially hazardous chemicals, so proper safety precautions must be taken. Additionally, if not performed correctly, these reactions can lead to the formation of unwanted byproducts or incomplete conversions, affecting the overall yield and purity of the desired product.