Oxidation of Organic Chemicals

[Procrastinate]

In the oxidation of organic chemicals, are there any conditions that must involve water or must not be in the presence of water or the oxidation process will stop despite the presence of the oxidizing agent? I remember my teacher saying something about this, but I don't remember which one it is? I think it might have something to do with carboxylic acid or esters. I would just like to be sure.

Also, what are the conditions required for desterification? I can't seem to find it on the internet. I know esterification requires an acid and heat but I am not sure if that applies to the reverse.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Nino MMP]

Yes, some oxidation reactions involving organic chemicals must involve water or occur in the presence of water in order for the oxidation process to work. This is especially true when dealing with carboxylic acids and esters, as water is necessary for the formation of the carboxylate anion. For example, the reaction of a carboxylic acid with an oxidizing agent such as potassium permanganate (KMnO4) will only occur in the presence of water. For the desterification process, the conditions required are typically a higher temperature (often over 100°C) and a basic catalyst such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The basic catalyst helps drive the reaction by protonating the carboxylate anion, thus facilitating its elimination from the reaction mixture.

 

[Blueshift5]

I can confirm that the presence or absence of water can greatly affect the oxidation process of organic chemicals. In fact, the addition of water is often necessary for the oxidation to occur. This is because water can act as a solvent, providing a medium for the reaction to take place and allowing the oxidizing agent to come into contact with the organic compound.

However, there are also cases where the presence of water can inhibit or even stop the oxidation process. This is particularly true for carboxylic acids and esters, as you mentioned. These compounds are susceptible to hydrolysis in the presence of water, which can interfere with the oxidation reaction and prevent it from proceeding.

As for deesterification, the conditions required can vary depending on the specific ester being used. Generally, deesterification involves the use of a strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, and heat. This helps to break the ester bond and separate the ester into its constituent components.

I hope this helps clarify any confusion you may have had about the role of water in the oxidation and deesterification processes. It is always important to carefully consider the conditions and reactants involved in any chemical reaction, as they can greatly affect the outcome.