BRAINCAKEOxidation of Alkenes to Diols
A diol is a compound containing two hydroxyl -OH groups. On oxidising an alkene with acidified potassium permanganate two -OH groups are added across the double bond. The reaction is an addition and an oxidation. Water in the solution provides two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom whilst the potassium permanganate provides the other oxygen atom. During the reaction, the potassium permanganate solution turns from purple to colourless.
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Key terms in this lesson
- addition
- A reaction in which a pi bond is broken and atoms or groups are added across it to form a saturated product, with no atoms lost.
- oxidation
- A reaction in which hydrogen atoms are removed from, or oxygen atoms are added to, an organic molecule.
More in Alkenes
- Stereoisomerism in Alkenes
- Reactions of Alkenes
- Hydrogenation
- Reaction with Halogens
- Reaction with Hydrogen Halides
- Reaction with Steam
- Addition Polymerisation
- Environmental Concerns
All 11 lessons in Alkenes · All OCR A-level Organic Chemistry topics