Oxidation reaction from alcohol to aldehyde

[kathyt.25]

My original question:
Why do oxidation reactions from primary alcohols to aldehydyes/carboxylic acids, or secondary alcohols to ketones require an acid (positive hydrogen ion)? I can see that the reason we have an oxidizing agent is to take away two hydrogen ions from the alcohol, but
why do we need an additional positive hydrogen ion?

Someone's response:
You need a strong electrolytic solution to facilitate the transition
(movement) of electrons... because in order for MnO4 to be reduced
(and cause an oxidation), it needs a source of protons as part of the
chemistry.


Can someone explain WHY we need protons in order for the oxidizing agent to be reduced, and therefore oxidize the alcohol?
If an alcohol is being oxidized to become an aldehyde, it's losing two hydrogen atoms, which are positive... why would these positive hydrogen atoms (protons) be drawn to the source of protons?

 

[Borek]

It has nothing to do with alcohol/aldehyde. MnO₄^- half reaction is

MnO₄^- + 8H⁺ -> Mn²⁺ + 4H₂O + 5e^-

To be an effective oxidizer it requires low pH.

 

[Blueshift5]

I can explain the role of protons in the oxidation reaction from alcohol to aldehyde. In this reaction, the oxidizing agent (such as MnO4) is reduced, meaning it gains electrons. In order for this to happen, there needs to be a source of protons present. This is because protons act as a positive charge carrier, which helps facilitate the movement of electrons from the alcohol to the oxidizing agent.

In the case of primary alcohols, the alcohol molecule loses two hydrogen atoms, which are then taken up by the oxidizing agent. These hydrogen atoms are positively charged, and are attracted to the source of protons (the acid) in the reaction mixture. This attraction helps to facilitate the transfer of electrons from the alcohol to the oxidizing agent, allowing for the oxidation reaction to occur.

In summary, the presence of protons (positive hydrogen ions) is necessary for the reduction of the oxidizing agent, which in turn allows for the oxidation of the alcohol to occur. Without a source of protons, the electrons cannot be transferred and the reaction cannot take place.