Which C4H10O Alcohols Do Not React with K2Cr2O7?

[aamaa]

Question

How many alcohols do not react with K_2Cr_2O_7? Alcohols have the molecular formula C_4 H_{10} O.

Attempt at solution

K_2Cr_2O_7 is an oxidazing agent. The tertiary alcohol cannot be oxidised with it, but you can oxidise secondary alcohols (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxidation_of_secondary_alcohols_to_ketones). I think other molecules can be oxidized. So the amount of oxidised alcohols is one.

 

[Borek]

Not sure what the question really asks. Perhaps they want you to count all possible alcohols with a given formula and check, how many will be oxidised and how many will not?

 

[aamaa]

Not sure what the question really asks. Perhaps they want you to count all possible alcohols with a given formula and check, how many will be oxidised and how many will not?

Thanks! I clarified the question. Hopefully, it is now easier to understand.

 

[chemisttree]

The formula indicates that there are no rings or unsaturation. Draw every isomer of this compound and use what you know.