BRAINCAKEPreparation of Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic acids can be made in two main ways.
1. Oxidation of primary alcohols and aldehydes
The oxidising agent is acidified potassium dichromate(VI), K2Cr2O7 with dilute sulfuric acid. To oxidise a primary alcohol all the way to the acid, use an excess of the oxidising agent and heat under reflux, so that the aldehyde formed first cannot escape before it is oxidised further. The acid is then separated by distillation. The colour changes from orange to green as Cr2O72− is reduced to Cr3+.
Using [O] for the oxidising agent:
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Key terms in this lesson
- nitrile
- An organic compound containing the carbon-nitrogen triple bond, C triple bond N (the cyano group).
More in Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives
- Carboxylic Acids
- Physical Properties of Carboxylic Acids
- Reduction of Carboxylic Acids
- Reactions with Bases
- Reaction with PCl5
- Esterification
- Acyl Chlorides
- Reactions of Acyl Chlorides with Water, Alcohols, Ammonia and Amines
All 12 lessons in Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives · All Edexcel A-level Chemistry topics