{"id":10921,"date":"2026-09-26T21:57:56","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T20:57:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alcohols\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/"},"modified":"2026-10-25T12:06:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T12:06:29","slug":"oxidation-of-alcohols","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alcohols\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/","title":{"rendered":"Oxidation of Alcohols"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"ols-revision-page ols-nature-of-covalent-bonding-9ch0-page\">\n  <style>\n    .ols-revision-page {\n      --navy: #1C244B;\n      --blue: #2563eb;\n      --soft-blue: #eef4ff;\n      --soft-red: #fff7f7;\n      --soft-purple: #f7f0ff;\n      --soft-green: #f0f7f1;\n      --soft-orange: #fff7ed;\n      --grey-text: #667085;\n      --body-text: #1f2937;\n      --border: 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linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 0%, #f8fbff 100%); }\n    .ols-title-card h1 { margin: 0 0 18px; font-size: clamp(36px, 5vw, 58px); line-height: 1.08; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: -0.04em; color: #111827; }\n    .ols-page-intro { font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.7; font-weight: 300; color: var(--body-text); margin: 0 0 22px; }\n    .ols-badges { display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: 12px; margin-bottom: 22px; }\n    .ols-badge { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; padding: 9px 14px; border-radius: 999px; background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid var(--border); font-size: 15px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--navy); }\n    .ols-author { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 20px; padding: 28px; border-radius: 28px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 0%, #f8fbff 100%); border: 1px solid rgba(28,36,75,0.12); box-shadow: 0 18px 45px rgba(28,36,75,0.10); margin-top: 22px; }\n    .ols-author-avatar-img { width: 92px; height: 92px; border-radius: 50%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center; flex-shrink: 0; border: 4px solid #ffffff; box-shadow: 0 14px 32px rgba(28,36,75,0.18), 0 0 0 1px rgba(28,36,75,0.10); transition: transform 0.25s ease, box-shadow 0.25s ease; }\n    .ols-author:hover .ols-author-avatar-img { transform: scale(1.04); box-shadow: 0 20px 42px rgba(28,36,75,0.22), 0 0 0 1px rgba(28,36,75,0.10); }\n    .ols-author-content { min-width: 0; }\n    .ols-author-title { margin: 0 0 4px; font-size: clamp(24px,3vw,34px); line-height: 1.15; font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); letter-spacing: -0.03em; }\n    .ols-author-description { margin: 0; font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.7; font-weight: 300; color: var(--grey-text); }\n    .ols-linkedin-pill { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 10px; margin-top: 16px; padding: 11px 18px; border-radius: 999px; background: linear-gradient(135deg,#0A66C2,#004182); color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none; font-size: 14px; 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.ols-note-card.orange { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 0%, var(--soft-orange) 100%); }\n    .ols-note-title { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 14px; margin-bottom: 20px; }\n    .ols-note-icon { width: 52px; height: 52px; border-radius: 16px; background: var(--navy); color: #ffffff; display: grid; place-items: center; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 800; flex-shrink: 0; }\n    .ols-note-title h2, .ols-h5p-card h2, .ols-related-card h2, .ols-faq-card h2 { margin: 0; font-size: clamp(28px, 3.5vw, 42px); line-height: 1.15; font-weight: 800; color: #111827; letter-spacing: -0.03em; }\n    .ols-h5p-card h2, .ols-related-card h2, .ols-faq-card h2 { margin-bottom: 14px; }\n    .ols-note-card p, .ols-note-card li { font-size: clamp(15px, 1.25vw, 17px); line-height: 1.65; font-weight: 300; color: var(--body-text); }\n    .ols-h5p-card p, .ols-related-card p, .ols-faq-card p { font-size: clamp(15px, 1.3vw, 18px); line-height: 1.65; font-weight: 300; color: var(--body-text); }\n 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margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.25; color: var(--navy); }\n    .ols-rule-item p { margin: 0; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.6; }\n\n    .ols-figure-card { margin: 26px auto 4px; border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 26px; overflow: hidden; background: #ffffff; box-shadow: var(--inner-shadow); max-width: 100%; }\n    .ols-figure-card.medium { max-width: 820px; }\n    .ols-figure-card.compact { max-width: 700px; }\n    .ols-figure-image { width: 100%; min-height: 260px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; background: #ffffff; padding: 20px; }\n    .ols-figure-image img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }\n    .ols-figure-caption { padding: 18px 24px 22px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff, #f8fbff); border-top: 1px solid var(--border); }\n    .ols-figure-caption p { margin: 0; color: #5f6b85; font-size: clamp(15px, 1.3vw, 17px); line-height: 1.6; font-weight: 300; font-style: italic; }\n    .ols-zoom-card, .ols-zoom-card * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n    .ols-zoom-card { display: block !important; margin: 26px auto 34px !important; border: 1px solid rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.14) !important; border-radius: 26px !important; background: #ffffff !important; box-shadow: 0 18px 45px rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.10) !important; overflow: visible !important; position: relative !important; z-index: 1 !important; isolation: isolate !important; }\n    .ols-zoom-card.medium { max-width: 820px; }\n    .ols-zoom-card.compact { max-width: 700px; }\n    .ols-zoom-card.wide { max-width: 940px; }\n    .ols-zoom-card.slim { max-width: 600px; }\n    .ols-zoom-card:hover { z-index: 50 !important; }\n    .ols-zoom-card-image { display: flex !important; align-items: center !important; justify-content: center !important; width: 100% !important; min-height: 240px !important; padding: 20px !important; background: #ffffff !important; overflow: visible !important; border-top-left-radius: 26px !important; border-top-right-radius: 26px !important; position: relative !important; z-index: 2 !important; }\n    .ols-zoom-card img.ols-zoomable-img { display: block !important; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto !important; border-radius: 18px !important; cursor: zoom-in !important; pointer-events: auto !important; user-select: none !important; -webkit-user-drag: none !important; transform: translateZ(0) scale(1) !important; transform-origin: center center !important; transition: transform 0.32s ease, box-shadow 0.32s ease, filter 0.32s ease !important; position: relative !important; z-index: 2 !important; }\n    @media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) { .ols-zoom-card img.ols-zoomable-img:hover { transform: translateZ(0) scale(1.35) !important; box-shadow: 0 28px 70px rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.34) !important; filter: saturate(1.02) contrast(1.01) !important; z-index: 100 !important; } }\n    .ols-zoom-card-caption { padding: 18px 22px 20px !important; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff, #f8fbff) !important; border-bottom-left-radius: 26px !important; border-bottom-right-radius: 26px !important; position: relative !important; z-index: 1 !important; }\n    .ols-zoom-card-caption p { margin: 0 !important; color: #5f6b85 !important; font-size: 15px !important; line-height: 1.65 !important; font-weight: 300 !important; font-style: italic !important; font-family: Poppins, Arial, sans-serif !important; }\n    .ols-image-lightbox { position: fixed; inset: 0; z-index: 999999; display: none; align-items: center; justify-content: center; padding: 34px; background: rgba(10, 15, 35, 0.86); backdrop-filter: blur(8px); -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(8px); }\n    .ols-image-lightbox.is-open { display: flex; }\n    .ols-image-lightbox-inner { position: relative; width: min(96vw, 1500px); max-height: 92vh; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; }\n    .ols-image-lightbox-img { display: block; max-width: 100%; max-height: 92vh; height: auto; width: auto; border-radius: 22px; background: #ffffff; box-shadow: 0 32px 90px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45); object-fit: contain; }\n    .ols-image-lightbox-close { position: absolute; top: -18px; right: -18px; width: 46px; height: 46px; border: 0; border-radius: 50%; background: #ffffff; color: var(--navy); font-family: Poppins, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; line-height: 1; font-weight: 700; cursor: pointer; box-shadow: 0 16px 34px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.28); display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; transition: transform 0.2s ease, background 0.2s ease, color 0.2s ease; }\n    .ols-image-lightbox-close:hover { transform: scale(1.08); background: var(--blue); color: #ffffff; }\n    @media (max-width: 760px) { .ols-zoom-card { border-radius: 22px !important; overflow: hidden !important; } .ols-zoom-card-image { min-height: auto !important; padding: 12px !important; overflow: hidden !important; border-top-left-radius: 22px !important; border-top-right-radius: 22px !important; } .ols-zoom-card img.ols-zoomable-img, .ols-zoom-card img.ols-zoomable-img:hover { transform: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; } .ols-zoom-card-caption { border-bottom-left-radius: 22px !important; border-bottom-right-radius: 22px !important; } .ols-image-lightbox { padding: 16px; } .ols-image-lightbox-inner { width: 100%; max-height: 88vh; } .ols-image-lightbox-img { max-height: 88vh; border-radius: 16px; } .ols-image-lightbox-close { top: 10px; right: 10px; width: 42px; height: 42px; font-size: 26px; } }\n\n\n    .ols-table-wrap { overflow: hidden; border-radius: 22px; border: 1px solid var(--border); background: #ffffff; margin-top: 18px; }\n    .ols-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; }\n    .ols-table th { background: var(--navy); color: #ffffff; padding: 16px; text-align: left; font-size: clamp(14px, 1.2vw, 17px); font-weight: 600; overflow-wrap: anywhere; }\n    .ols-table td { padding: 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); font-size: clamp(14px, 1.15vw, 16px); line-height: 1.45; color: var(--body-text); vertical-align: top; overflow-wrap: anywhere; }\n    .ols-table tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; }\n\n    .ols-h5p-card { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 0%, #f7f0ff 100%); }\n    .ols-h5p-frame { margin-top: 22px; padding: 18px; border-radius: 24px; background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid var(--border); box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.03); }\n\n    .ols-faq-list { display: grid; gap: 14px; margin-top: 18px; }\n    .ols-faq-item { background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 18px; padding: 18px 20px; box-shadow: var(--inner-shadow); }\n    .ols-faq-item h3 { margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.3; color: var(--navy); }\n    .ols-faq-item p { margin: 0; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.65; color: var(--body-text); }\n\n    .ols-related-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 16px; margin-top: 18px; }\n    .ols-related-item { border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 18px; padding: 18px; background: #ffffff; color: var(--navy); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.5; transition: transform 0.2s ease, box-shadow 0.2s ease; }\n    .ols-related-item:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); box-shadow: 0 10px 22px rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.08); }\n\n    .ols-course-cta-covalent {\n      width: 100%;\n      margin: 30px 0 24px;\n      font-family: Poppins, Arial, sans-serif;\n    }\n    .ols-course-cta-covalent, .ols-course-cta-covalent * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n    .ols-course-cta-card {\n      overflow: hidden;\n      border-radius: 30px;\n      border: 1px solid var(--border);\n      background: radial-gradient(circle at top left, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.16), transparent 34%), linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 0%, #f8fbff 100%);\n      box-shadow: var(--shadow);\n      padding: 30px;\n    }\n    .ols-course-cta-top {\n      display: grid;\n      grid-template-columns: minmax(260px, 0.9fr) minmax(0, 1.1fr);\n  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}\n    .ols-course-cta-kicker { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; padding: 8px 14px; border-radius: 999px; background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.18); color: var(--blue); font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; font-weight: 700; box-shadow: var(--inner-shadow); }\n    .ols-course-cta-covalent h2 { margin: 0 0 14px; font-size: clamp(28px, 3.5vw, 42px); line-height: 1.15; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: -0.03em; color: #111827; }\n    .ols-course-cta-intro { margin: 0 0 24px; color: var(--body-text); font-size: clamp(16px, 1.4vw, 18px); line-height: 1.7; font-weight: 300; }\n    .ols-course-cta-features { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 14px; margin: 0 0 30px; }\n    .ols-course-feature { background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.78); border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 18px; padding: 16px 18px; }\n    .ols-course-feature h3 { margin: 0 0 6px; color: var(--navy); font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.3; font-weight: 800; }\n    .ols-course-feature p { margin: 0; color: var(--body-text); font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.6; font-weight: 300; }\n    .ols-course-cta-bottom { display: flex; justify-content: center; padding-top: 22px; border-top: 1px solid var(--border); }\n    .ols-course-button { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; padding: 15px 28px; border-radius: 999px; background: var(--navy); color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; font-weight: 800; box-shadow: 0 12px 26px rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.18); transition: transform 0.2s ease, background 0.2s ease, box-shadow 0.2s ease; }\n    .ols-course-button:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); background: var(--blue); color: #ffffff; box-shadow: 0 16px 32px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.24); }\n    .ols-course-button-top { flex-shrink: 0; padding: 12px 22px; font-size: 15px; }\n\n    .ols-attribution-card {\n      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff, #f8fbff);\n      border: 1px solid rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.14);\n      border-radius: 28px;\n      box-shadow: 0 18px 45px rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.10);\n      padding: 34px;\n      margin-bottom: 24px;\n      overflow: hidden;\n      font-family: Poppins, Arial, sans-serif;\n      box-sizing: border-box;\n    }\n    .ols-attribution-card, .ols-attribution-card * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n    .ols-attribution-card p { margin: 0; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.65; font-weight: 300; color: #667085; }\n    .ols-attribution-card strong { font-weight: 700; color: #1C244B; }\n\n    @media (max-width: 1050px) {\n      .ols-main { max-width: none; }\n      .ols-related-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }\n      .ols-course-cta-top { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n      .ols-course-cta-image-link { max-width: 520px; margin: 0 auto; }\n    }\n\n    @media (max-width: 760px) {\n      .ols-title-card, .ols-note-card, .ols-h5p-card, .ols-related-card, .ols-faq-card, .ols-attribution-card { padding: 24px 18px; border-radius: 22px; }\n 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.ols-figure-placeholder .ols-figure-caption p { margin: 10px 0 0; font-size: 14px; color: #667085; text-align: center; }\n\n    \/* inline checks (H5P re-flow, Sep 2026) *\/\n    .ols-h5p-card.ols-h5p-inline { padding: 26px 28px; border-left: 6px solid #7c3aed; }\n    .ols-h5p-card.ols-h5p-inline h2 { font-size: clamp(20px, 2.2vw, 27px); letter-spacing: -0.02em; }\n    .ols-h5p-card.ols-h5p-inline > p { margin: 8px 0 0; }\n    .ols-h5p-card.ols-h5p-inline .ols-h5p-frame { margin-top: 16px; padding: 14px; border-radius: 20px; }\n    .ols-h5p-kicker { display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 5px 12px; border-radius: 999px; background: #ede9fe; color: #5b21b6; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.06em; text-transform: uppercase; }\n    .ols-h5p-card.ols-h5p-recap { border-left-color: #c9973a; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 0%, #fff8e8 100%); }\n    .ols-h5p-recap .ols-h5p-kicker { background: #fdf0d2; color: #8a5a00; }\n    @media (max-width: 760px) { .ols-h5p-card.ols-h5p-inline { padding: 20px 16px; } }\n<\/style>\n\n  <aside class=\"ols-sidebar\">\r\n  <div class=\"ols-sidebar-header\">\r\n    <h3>Revision Notes<\/h3>\r\n    <p>A Level Chemistry<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"ols-topic-group\">\r\n    <h4>Topic 6 Organic Chemistry I<\/h4>\r\n\r\n    <ul class=\"ols-topic-list\">\r\n\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/\">Introduction to Organic Chemistry<\/a>\r\n\r\n        <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/iupac-rules\/\">IUPAC Rules<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/alkene\/\">Alkene<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/alcohol\/\">Alcohol<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/halogenoalkanes\/\">Halogenoalkanes<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/aldehyde\/\">Aldehyde<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/ketone\/\">Ketone<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/carboxylic-acid\/\">Carboxylic Acid<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/ester\/\">Ester<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/isomerism\/\">Isomerism<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/\">Alkanes<\/a>\r\n\r\n        <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/\">Alkanes from Crude Oil<\/a>\r\n\r\n            <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/fractional-distillation\/\">Fractional Distillation<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/cracking\/\">Cracking<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/reforming\/\">Reforming<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n            <\/ul>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/fuel\/\">Alkanes as Fuel<\/a>\r\n\r\n            <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/fuel\/combustion\/\">Combustion<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/fuel\/oxides-of-sulfur\/\">Oxides of Sulfur<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/fuel\/oxides-of-nitrogen\/\">Oxides of Nitrogen<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/fuel\/catalytic-converter\/\">Catalytic Converter<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n            <\/ul>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/alternative-fuel\/\">Alternative Fuel<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/\">Reactions of Alkanes<\/a>\r\n\r\n            <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/free-radical-substitution\/\">Free Radical Substitution<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/initiation\/\">Initiation<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/propagation\/\">Propagation<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/termination\/\">Termination<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/further-substitution\/\">Further Substitution<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n            <\/ul>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/\">Alkenes<\/a>\r\n\r\n        <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/alkene-bonding\/\">Alkene Bonding<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/geometric-isomerism\/\">Geometric Isomerism<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/electrophilic-addition-mechanism\/\">Electrophilic Addition Mechanism<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/\">Reactions of Alkenes<\/a>\r\n\r\n            <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/halogens\/\">Halogens<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/hydrogen-halide\/\">Hydrogen Halide<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/bromine-water\/\">Bromine Water<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/hydrogen\/\">Hydrogen<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/steam\/\">Steam<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/kmno4\/\">KMnO4<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n            <\/ul>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/polymerisation-reactions\/\">Polymerisation Reactions<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/polymer-waste\/\">Polymer Waste<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/halogenoalkanes\/\">Halogenoalkanes<\/a>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alcohols\/\">Alcohols<\/a>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n\r\n    <\/ul>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"ols-topic-group\">\r\n    <h4>Next Topics<\/h4>\r\n\r\n    <ul class=\"ols-topic-list\">\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-7-modern-analytical-techniques-i\/\">Topic 7 Modern Analytical Techniques I<\/a>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-5-formulae-equations-and-amounts-of-substance\/\">Topic 5 Formulae, Equations &amp; Amounts<\/a>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-4-inorganic-chemistry-and-the-periodic-table\/\">Topic 4 Inorganic Chemistry &amp; The Periodic Table<\/a>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n    <\/ul>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/aside>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n(function() {\r\n  function normalisePath(path) {\r\n    return String(path || '')\r\n      .split('?')[0]\r\n      .split('#')[0]\r\n      .replace(\/\\\/+$\/, '')\r\n      .toLowerCase();\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function highlightActive() {\r\n    var sidebar = document.querySelector('.ols-sidebar');\r\n    if (!sidebar) return false;\r\n\r\n    var currentPath = normalisePath(window.location.pathname);\r\n    var links = sidebar.querySelectorAll('a[href]');\r\n    var matched = null;\r\n    var matchedLength = 0;\r\n\r\n    sidebar.querySelectorAll('.active, .active-main, .parent-active').forEach(function(item) {\r\n      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href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alcohols\/\">Alcohols<\/a> \/\n<span>Oxidation of Alcohols<\/span>\n<\/nav>\n\n      <header class=\"ols-title-card\">\n        <h1>Oxidation of Alcohols<\/h1>\n        <p class=\"ols-page-intro\">A concise revision guide to the oxidation of alcohols with acidified potassium dichromate(VI): primary alcohols to aldehydes by distillation and to carboxylic acids under reflux, secondary alcohols to ketones, why tertiary alcohols resist oxidation, equations with [O], and the tests for the products.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-badges\">\n<div class=\"ols-badge\">Paper 1 and 2<\/div>\n<div class=\"ols-badge\">Topic 6E: Alcohols<\/div>\n<div class=\"ols-badge\">9CH0\/01<\/div>\n<\/div>\n      <\/header>\n<!-- 3D card: alcohol-oxidation (25 Oct 2026) -->\n<!-- Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah, onlinelearningsystem.net. 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border-radius:22px;}\n  .ols-aox-001 h2.aox-title{font-size:20.5px;}\n  .ols-aox-001 p.aox-sub{font-size:13.5px;}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-stage{height:400px;}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-rowlab{min-width:100%;}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-seg button{padding:9px 13px; font-size:13px;}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-lab{font-size:10.5px; padding:4px 8px;}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-lab.l-part{font-size:9.5px; padding:3px 7px;}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-lab.l-read{font-size:12px; padding:5px 9px;}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-caption{font-size:10.5px; padding:5px 9px; max-width:64%;}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-badge{font-size:10.5px; padding:4px 9px;}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-badge.b-eq{font-size:11px;}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-badges{max-width:calc(100% - 28px);}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-info{padding:18px;}\n}\n\/* on a phone the caption needs the full top row, so the drag hint goes *\/\n@media (max-width:480px){\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-hint{display:none;}\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-caption{max-width:calc(100% - 28px);}\n}\n@media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){\n  .ols-aox-001 .aox-seg button,.ols-aox-001 .aox-pill{transition:none;}\n}\n\n.ols-cc-aox-001{\n  font-family:'Poppins',system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;\n  margin:10px auto 0; text-align:center; font-size:11px; font-style:italic; color:#aab0c0;\n}\n.ols-cc-aox-001 a{color:#aab0c0; text-decoration:none;}\n.ols-cc-aox-001 a:hover{text-decoration:underline;}\n.ols-aox-001 .aox-seg button{display:inline-flex; align-items:center;}\n.ols-aox-001 .aox-seg button .aox-n{display:inline-flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; width:20px; height:20px; margin-right:9px; border-radius:50%; font-size:11px; font-weight:600; background:rgba(37,99,235,0.10); color:#2563eb; flex:0 0 auto;}\n.ols-aox-001 .aox-seg button[aria-pressed=\"true\"] .aox-n{background:#ffffff; color:#2563eb;}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"aox-head\">\n  <h2 class=\"aox-title\">Oxidising Alcohols with Acidified Dichromate<\/h2>\n  <p class=\"aox-sub\">Follow the atoms as acidified potassium dichromate(VI) oxidises a primary alcohol to an aldehyde and then a carboxylic acid, a secondary alcohol to a ketone, and leaves a tertiary alcohol untouched.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"aox-stage\" id=\"aoxStage\">\n  <canvas class=\"aox-canvas\" id=\"aoxCanvas\"><\/canvas>\n  <div class=\"aox-overlay\" id=\"aoxOverlay\"><\/div>\n  <div class=\"aox-caption\" id=\"aoxCaption\"><\/div>\n  <div class=\"aox-hint\" id=\"aoxHint\">Drag to rotate<\/div>\n  <div class=\"aox-badges\" id=\"aoxBadges\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"aox-controls\">\n  <div class=\"aox-row\">\n    <span class=\"aox-rowlab\">Step<\/span>\n    <div class=\"aox-seg\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Step\">\n      <button type=\"button\" data-step=\"1\" aria-pressed=\"true\"><span class=\"aox-n\">1<\/span>Three alcohols<\/button>\n      <button type=\"button\" data-step=\"2\" aria-pressed=\"false\"><span class=\"aox-n\">2<\/span>Aldehyde<\/button>\n      <button type=\"button\" data-step=\"3\" aria-pressed=\"false\"><span class=\"aox-n\">3<\/span>Carboxylic acid<\/button>\n      <button type=\"button\" data-step=\"4\" aria-pressed=\"false\"><span class=\"aox-n\">4<\/span>Ketone<\/button>\n      <button type=\"button\" data-step=\"5\" aria-pressed=\"false\"><span class=\"aox-n\">5<\/span>Tertiary<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"aox-row\">\n    <span class=\"aox-rowlab\">View<\/span>\n    <button type=\"button\" class=\"aox-pill\" id=\"aoxResetV\">Reset view<\/button>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"aox-info\">\n  <h3 id=\"aoxInfoTitle\"><\/h3>\n  <p id=\"aoxInfoText\"><\/p>\n  <div class=\"aox-facts\" id=\"aoxFacts\"><\/div>\n  <div class=\"aox-key\">\n    <span><i class=\"k-ball\" style=\"background:#464a54\"><\/i>Carbon<\/span>\n    <span><i class=\"k-ball\" style=\"background:#ececf0\"><\/i>Hydrogen<\/span>\n    <span><i class=\"k-ball\" style=\"background:#cd2d28\"><\/i>Oxygen<\/span>\n    <span><i class=\"k-ball\" style=\"background:#e9b949\"><\/i>[O] from dichromate<\/span>\n    <span><i class=\"k-ball\" style=\"background:#ec8026\"><\/i>Cr\u2082O\u2087\u00b2\u207b (orange)<\/span>\n    <span><i class=\"k-ball\" style=\"background:#40a05c\"><\/i>Cr\u00b3\u207a (green)<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/JS\/alcohol-oxidation.js?v=20261025p\"><\/script>\n<\/section>\n\n<p class=\"ols-cc-aox-001\">&copy; Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">onlinelearningsystem.net<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n      \n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline ols-h5p-recap\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Before you start<\/span>\n<h2>GCSE Recap: Oxidation<\/h2>\n<p>Three quick questions on the GCSE ideas about oxidation that this page builds on.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-content\" data-content-id=\"935\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<article class=\"ols-note-card\">\n<div class=\"ols-note-title\">\n<div class=\"ols-note-icon\">1<\/div>\n<h2>The Oxidising Agent<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>The oxidising agent for alcohols is <strong>acidified potassium dichromate(VI)<\/strong>: potassium dichromate(VI), K\u2082Cr\u2082O\u2087, dissolved in dilute sulfuric acid.<\/p><p>As it oxidises the alcohol, the orange dichromate(VI) ion, Cr\u2082O\u2087\u00b2\u207b, is reduced to the green chromium(III) ion, Cr\u00b3\u207a, so the colour change from <strong>orange to green<\/strong> shows that oxidation has happened.<\/p><p>In equations the oxidising agent is written as <strong>[O]<\/strong>, one [O] for each oxygen gained or each pair of hydrogen atoms removed, and the equation is balanced with water.<\/p>\n<p>Which product forms depends on two things: the class of the alcohol, and the conditions. Primary alcohols can be oxidised twice, secondary alcohols once, and tertiary alcohols not at all.<\/p><p>For a primary alcohol the choice between distilling and refluxing decides whether the aldehyde or the carboxylic acid is collected.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-key-box\">\n<p><strong>Definition:<\/strong> Oxidation of an alcohol removes the hydrogen from the O\u2013H and a hydrogen from the carbon carrying the OH, forming a C=O bond. A tertiary alcohol has no hydrogen on that carbon, so it cannot be oxidised this way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"ols-note-card soft\">\n<div class=\"ols-note-title\">\n<div class=\"ols-note-icon\">2<\/div>\n<h2>Primary Alcohols: Aldehyde, then Carboxylic Acid<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>A <strong>primary alcohol<\/strong> is first oxidised to an <strong>aldehyde<\/strong>, which is then oxidised to a <strong>carboxylic acid<\/strong>.<\/p><p>To stop at the aldehyde, the alcohol is added to a limited amount of the warm oxidising agent and the aldehyde is <strong>distilled off as it forms<\/strong>.<\/p><p>This works because the aldehyde has no OH group, so it cannot hydrogen bond and boils at a much lower temperature than the alcohol: propanal boils at 49 \u00b0C and propan-1-ol at 97 \u00b0C.<\/p><p>Removing the aldehyde from the flask keeps it away from the oxidising agent.<\/p>\n<p>To make the carboxylic acid, the alcohol is <strong>heated under reflux<\/strong> with an excess of the oxidising agent. Reflux keeps the aldehyde in the flask, in contact with the dichromate(VI), until it has been oxidised again. The acid is distilled off afterwards.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-table-wrap\">\n<table class=\"ols-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr><th>Step<\/th><th>Equation with [O]<\/th><th>Conditions<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr><td><strong>Alcohol to aldehyde<\/strong><\/td><td>CH\u2083CH\u2082CH\u2082OH + [O] \u2192 CH\u2083CH\u2082CHO + H\u2082O<\/td><td>limited acidified K\u2082Cr\u2082O\u2087, warm, distil the product as it forms<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><strong>Aldehyde to acid<\/strong><\/td><td>CH\u2083CH\u2082CHO + [O] \u2192 CH\u2083CH\u2082COOH<\/td><td>excess acidified K\u2082Cr\u2082O\u2087, heat under reflux<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><strong>Alcohol straight to acid<\/strong><\/td><td>CH\u2083CH\u2082CH\u2082OH + 2[O] \u2192 CH\u2083CH\u2082COOH + H\u2082O<\/td><td>excess acidified K\u2082Cr\u2082O\u2087, heat under reflux<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/core-practicals\/cp-5-oxidation-of-ethanol\/\">Core Practical 5 (oxidation of ethanol)<\/a> does exactly this with ethanol: distillation to collect the aldehyde, then reflux for the acid.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-key-box\">\n<p><strong>Exam focus:<\/strong> Write CHO for an aldehyde, never COH, and COOH for the acid. Count the [O]: one for the aldehyde, two for the acid from the alcohol.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ols-zoom-card\">\n<div class=\"ols-zoom-card-image\">\n<a class=\"ols-lightbox-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/alcohols-halogenoalkanes-spectra-distilreflux.jpg\" aria-label=\"Open image full screen\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ols-zoomable-img ols-lightbox-target\" src=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/alcohols-halogenoalkanes-spectra-distilreflux.jpg\" alt=\"Two-column poster contrasting distillation to make an aldehyde with reflux to make a carboxylic acid from a primary alcohol.\">\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ols-zoom-card-caption\"><p>Distilling with a limited amount of oxidising agent collects the aldehyde; refluxing with an excess takes the primary alcohol all the way to the carboxylic acid.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Quick Check: Oxidising Primary Alcohols<\/h2>\n<p>Name the products and pick the balanced equation for a primary alcohol.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-content\" data-content-id=\"936\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<article class=\"ols-note-card\">\n<div class=\"ols-note-title\">\n<div class=\"ols-note-icon\">3<\/div>\n<h2>Secondary and Tertiary Alcohols<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>A <strong>secondary alcohol<\/strong> is oxidised to a <strong>ketone<\/strong> when heated under reflux with acidified dichromate(VI): CH\u2083CH(OH)CH\u2083 + [O] \u2192 CH\u2083COCH\u2083 + H\u2082O.<\/p><p>The ketone has no hydrogen on the carbonyl carbon, so it cannot be oxidised further under these conditions; there is no need to distil it off as it forms.<\/p>\n<p>A <strong>tertiary alcohol<\/strong> is not oxidised by acidified dichromate(VI).<\/p><p>The carbon carrying the OH has no hydrogen atom to lose, so a C=O bond cannot form without breaking a C\u2013C bond, which dichromate(VI) cannot do. The mixture stays orange.<\/p><p>This gives a simple test: warm the alcohol with acidified dichromate(VI); primary and secondary alcohols turn it green, a tertiary alcohol leaves it orange.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-zoom-card\">\n<div class=\"ols-zoom-card-image\">\n<a class=\"ols-lightbox-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/alcohols-halogenoalkanes-spectra-oxidationmap.jpg\" aria-label=\"Open image full screen\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ols-zoomable-img ols-lightbox-target\" src=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/alcohols-halogenoalkanes-spectra-oxidationmap.jpg\" alt=\"Oxidation of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols with acidified potassium dichromate(VI), with the tests for the products\">\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ols-zoom-card-caption\"><p>The oxidation flow chart: what each class of alcohol gives with acidified dichromate(VI), the conditions that select the aldehyde or the acid, and the tests for the products.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ols-key-box\">\n<p><strong>Key idea:<\/strong> Primary: aldehyde then carboxylic acid. Secondary: ketone. Tertiary: no reaction, the solution stays orange.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Quick Check: Which Product?<\/h2>\n<p>Drag the product of oxidising each alcohol into its gap.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-937\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"937\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and Spectra Drag: Which Product?\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<article class=\"ols-note-card soft\">\n<div class=\"ols-note-title\">\n<div class=\"ols-note-icon\">4<\/div>\n<h2>Testing the Products<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Aldehydes and ketones both contain the C=O group, so the tests that tell them apart use the fact that an aldehyde can be oxidised further and a ketone cannot.<\/p><p>With <strong>Benedict&#8217;s or Fehling&#8217;s solution<\/strong> an aldehyde is oxidised to a carboxylic acid while the reagent is reduced.<\/p><p>The blue copper(II) ions in Fehling&#8217;s or Benedict&#8217;s solution give a brick-red precipitate of copper(I) oxide, Cu\u2082O. A ketone gives no change with either reagent.<\/p>\n<p>A carboxylic acid is recognised by adding <strong>sodium carbonate<\/strong> or sodium hydrogencarbonate solution: the acid is strong enough to release carbon dioxide, which fizzes and turns limewater milky.<\/p>\n<p>2CH\u2083COOH + Na\u2082CO\u2083 \u2192 2CH\u2083COONa + H\u2082O + CO\u2082. Aldehydes, ketones and alcohols do not react with carbonates.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ols-table-wrap\">\n<table class=\"ols-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr><th>Product<\/th><th>Test<\/th><th>Positive result<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr><td><strong>Aldehyde<\/strong><\/td><td>Benedict&#8217;s or Fehling&#8217;s solution, warm<\/td><td>blue solution to brick-red precipitate<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><strong>Aldehyde<\/strong><\/td><td>Tollens&#8217; reagent, warm<\/td><td>silver mirror<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><strong>Ketone<\/strong><\/td><td>either reagent<\/td><td>no change<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><strong>Carboxylic acid<\/strong><\/td><td>sodium carbonate solution<\/td><td>fizzing, CO\u2082 turns limewater milky<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ols-key-box\">\n<p><strong>Exam wording:<\/strong> Give the reagent, the condition and the observation for the positive result AND say what the other compound does: &#8220;ketone: no change&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Quick Check: Tests and Equations<\/h2>\n<p>Answer each quick question on the tests for the products.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-938\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"938\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and Spectra Quick Choice: Tests and Equations\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Quick Check: Oxidation from Start to Finish<\/h2>\n<p>Pick the one accurate statement in each round to check the whole page.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-1341\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"1341\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Oxidation of Alcohols Summary: Class, Conditions and Tests\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<article class=\"ols-note-card\">\n<div class=\"ols-note-title\">\n<div class=\"ols-note-icon\">5<\/div>\n<h2>Common Exam Points<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Say<\/h3><p>&#8220;Acidified potassium dichromate(VI), heat under reflux, orange to green.&#8221; &#8220;Distil off the aldehyde as it forms so it is not oxidised further.&#8221; &#8220;Tertiary alcohols are not oxidised because there is no hydrogen on the carbon bonded to the OH.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>Do not say<\/h3><p>&#8220;Potassium dichromate&#8221; without &#8220;acidified&#8221;. &#8220;The aldehyde is distilled because it is more volatile&#8221; without saying why that stops further oxidation.<\/p>\n<h3>Watch for<\/h3><p>Equations with [O] must balance: add H\u2082O on the right when the alcohol becomes a carbonyl compound, but not when the aldehyde becomes the acid.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<section class=\"ols-faq-card\">\n<h2>FAQs<\/h2>\n<p>Use these quick answers to check the oxidation of alcohols.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"ols-faq-list\">\n<div class=\"ols-faq-item\">\n<h3>Why is the aldehyde distilled off as it forms?<\/h3>\n<p>The aldehyde boils at a much lower temperature than the alcohol because it cannot hydrogen bond, so it can be removed from the flask before the oxidising agent turns it into the carboxylic acid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ols-faq-item\">\n<h3>Why is reflux needed for the carboxylic acid?<\/h3>\n<p>Reflux keeps the aldehyde in contact with the excess oxidising agent long enough to be oxidised a second time, and stops the volatile aldehyde escaping.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ols-faq-item\">\n<h3>Why can a ketone not be oxidised further?<\/h3>\n<p>Oxidation needs a hydrogen on the carbonyl carbon to be removed. A ketone has two carbon groups on that carbon and no hydrogen, so a C\u2013C bond would have to break, which dichromate(VI) cannot do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ols-faq-item\">\n<h3>What does [O] stand for?<\/h3>\n<p>One oxygen atom supplied by the oxidising agent. It lets the equation be written without the full dichromate(VI) half-equation; balance it with water where needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ols-faq-item\">\n<h3>How does Benedict&#8217;s tell an aldehyde from a ketone?<\/h3>\n<p>The aldehyde is oxidised by the reagent and reduces it, giving a visible change; a ketone cannot be oxidised so nothing happens.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n      <!-- author card (moved to the end, 10 Oct 2026) -->\n      <div class=\"ols-author\">\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\"\n      class=\"ols-author-avatar-img\"\n      src=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Author-Profile.jpeg\"\n      alt=\"Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah\"\n    >\n\n    <div class=\"ols-author-content\">\n\n      <h2 class=\"ols-author-title\">\n        Written by:<br><span>Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah<\/span>\n      <\/h2>\n\n      <p class=\"ols-author-description\">\n        Chemistry specialist revision notes for A Level Chemistry.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <a\n        class=\"ols-linkedin-pill\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/doctormohammedfatah\/\"\n        target=\"_blank\"\n        rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n      >\n        <svg class=\"ols-linkedin-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n          <path d=\"M4.98 3.5C4.98 4.88 3.86 6 2.48 6S0 4.88 0 3.5 1.12 1 2.48 1s2.5 1.12 2.5 2.5zM.5 8h4V24h-4V8zm7 0h3.8v2.2h.1c.5-.9 1.8-2.2 3.9-2.2 4.2 0 5 2.8 5 6.4V24h-4v-7.6c0-1.8 0-4.2-2.6-4.2s-3 2-3 4v7.8h-4V8z\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n        View LinkedIn Profile\n      <\/a>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n<section class=\"ols-related-card\">\n<h2>Related Topic 6 Alcohols Pages<\/h2>\n<p>Use these pages to connect the ideas across Topic 6 Alcohols and the rest of the course.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-related-grid\">\n<a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alcohols\/alcohols-naming-classification-and-properties\/\">Alcohols: Naming, Classification and Properties<\/a>\n<a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alcohols\/reactions-of-alcohols\/\">Substitution and Elimination Reactions of Alcohols<\/a>\n<a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alcohols\/preparing-and-purifying-organic-liquids\/\">Preparing and Purifying Organic Liquids<\/a>\n<a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alcohols\/\">Alcohols Overview<\/a>\n<a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/halogenoalkanes\/\">Halogenoalkanes<\/a>\n<a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/core-practicals\/cp-5-oxidation-of-ethanol\/\">Core Practical 5<\/a>\n<a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-7-modern-analytical-techniques-i\/\">Mass Spectra and Infrared (Topic 7)<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"ols-attribution-card ols-attr-std\" aria-label=\"Copyright notice\">\n<style id=\"ols-attribution-card-css\">.ols-attribution-card.ols-attr-std{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#ffffff,#f8fbff);border:1px solid rgba(28,36,75,0.14);border-radius:28px;box-shadow:0 18px 45px rgba(28,36,75,0.10);padding:34px;margin:24px 0;overflow:hidden;font-family:Poppins,Arial,sans-serif;box-sizing:border-box}.ols-attribution-card.ols-attr-std *{box-sizing:border-box}.ols-attribution-card.ols-attr-std p{margin:0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.65;font-weight:300;color:#667085}.ols-attribution-card.ols-attr-std strong{font-weight:700;color:#1C244B}@media (max-width:760px){.ols-attribution-card.ols-attr-std{padding:24px 18px;border-radius:22px}}<\/style>\n<p><strong>Copyright notice:<\/strong> This OLS revision content, including the explanations, layout, diagrams, tables and embedded learning structure, is authored for Online Learning System by Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah. It may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed or adapted without written permission.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n      <div class=\"ols-image-lightbox\" id=\"olsImageLightboxNatureCovalentBonding9ch0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" aria-label=\"Expanded revision image\">\n        <div class=\"ols-image-lightbox-inner\">\n          <button class=\"ols-image-lightbox-close\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close enlarged image\">\u00d7<\/button>\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ols-image-lightbox-img\" src=\"\" alt=\"\">\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <script>\n        (function(){\n          var page = document.querySelector(\".ols-nature-of-covalent-bonding-9ch0-page\");\n          if (!page) { return; }\n          var lightbox = page.querySelector(\"#olsImageLightboxNatureCovalentBonding9ch0\");\n          if (!lightbox) { return; }\n          var lightboxImage = lightbox.querySelector(\".ols-image-lightbox-img\");\n          var closeButton = 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