- #1
kathyt.25
- 49
- 0
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?
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?