Oxidation of Aldehydes

AQA A-level ChemistryAldehydes and KetonesLesson 3 of 9

Aldehydes are easily oxidised to carboxylic acids. The usual oxidising agent is acidified potassium dichromate(VI), K₂Cr₂O₇ with dilute sulfuric acid, and the mixture is heated under reflux so that oxidation is complete.

In equations the oxidising agent is written as [O]:

RCHO + [O] → RCOOH
CH₃CHO + [O] → CH₃COOH

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Oxidation of Aldehydes

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