{"id":10985,"date":"2026-09-26T22:01:18","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T21:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/"},"modified":"2026-09-27T10:01:51","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T09:01:51","slug":"oxidation-of-alcohols","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/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: rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.14);\n      --shadow: 0 18px 45px rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.10);\n      --inner-shadow: 0 10px 26px rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.08);\n      font-family: Poppins, Arial, sans-serif;\n      color: var(--navy);\n      background: #ffffff;\n    }\n\n    .ols-revision-page * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n    .ols-main { min-width: 0; max-width: 970px; }\n    .ols-breadcrumbs { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; margin: 10px 0 22px; font-size: 15px; color: var(--grey-text); }\n    .ols-breadcrumbs a, .ols-breadcrumbs span { color: var(--grey-text); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; }\n    .ols-breadcrumbs a:hover { color: var(--blue); text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 3px; }\n    .ols-title-card, .ols-note-card, .ols-h5p-card, .ols-related-card, .ols-faq-card { background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 28px; box-shadow: var(--shadow); padding: 34px; margin-bottom: 24px; overflow: hidden; }\n    .ols-title-card { background: 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; line-height: 1; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.01em; box-shadow: 0 10px 22px rgba(10,102,194,0.24); position: relative; overflow: hidden; transition: transform 0.22s ease, box-shadow 0.22s ease; }\n    .ols-linkedin-pill::before { content: \"\"; position: absolute; top: 0; left: -120%; width: 100%; height: 100%; background: linear-gradient(120deg, rgba(255,255,255,0) 0%, rgba(255,255,255,0.28) 50%, rgba(255,255,255,0) 100%); transition: left 0.7s ease; }\n    .ols-linkedin-pill:hover { transform: translateY(-3px) scale(1.03); box-shadow: 0 16px 34px rgba(10,102,194,0.34), 0 0 0 6px rgba(10,102,194,0.10); color: #ffffff; }\n    .ols-linkedin-pill:hover::before { left: 120%; }\n    .ols-linkedin-icon { width: 18px; height: 18px; display: block; flex-shrink: 0; }\n\n    .ols-note-card.soft { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 0%, var(--soft-red) 100%); }\n    .ols-note-card.purple { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 0%, var(--soft-purple) 100%); }\n    .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    .ols-note-card strong, .ols-h5p-card strong, .ols-related-card strong, .ols-faq-card strong { font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); }\n    .ols-note-card ul, .ols-note-card ol { margin: 0; padding-left: 22px; }\n\n    .ols-key-box { margin-top: 20px; background: var(--soft-green); border: 1px solid rgba(63, 143, 70, 0.25); border-radius: 20px; padding: 18px 20px; }\n    .ols-key-box p { margin: 0; font-weight: 400; color: var(--navy); }\n    .ols-definition-box { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff, var(--soft-purple)); border: 2px dashed rgba(122, 62, 157, 0.35); border-radius: 24px; padding: 22px 24px; margin-top: 22px; }\n    .ols-definition-box p { margin: 0; color: var(--navy); font-weight: 400; }\n\n    .ols-rule-list { display: grid; gap: 14px; margin-top: 18px; }\n    .ols-rule-item { background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid var(--border); border-left: 5px solid var(--blue); border-radius: 18px; padding: 18px; box-shadow: var(--inner-shadow); }\n    .ols-rule-item h3 { 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      gap: 28px;\n      align-items: center;\n      margin-bottom: 24px;\n    }\n    .ols-course-cta-image-link { display: block; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 24px; }\n    .ols-course-cta-image {\n      width: 100%;\n      border-radius: 24px;\n      overflow: hidden;\n      border: 1px solid var(--border);\n      background: #ffffff;\n      box-shadow: var(--inner-shadow);\n      transition: transform 0.35s ease, box-shadow 0.35s ease;\n    }\n    .ols-course-cta-image img { width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; transition: transform 0.45s ease; }\n    .ols-course-cta-image-link:hover .ols-course-cta-image { transform: translateY(-8px) scale(1.015); box-shadow: 0 26px 60px rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.18), 0 0 0 1px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.12); }\n    .ols-course-cta-image-link:hover .ols-course-cta-image img { transform: scale(1.03); }\n    .ols-course-cta-header-row { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 14px; margin-bottom: 18px; }\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      .ols-note-title { align-items: flex-start; }\n      .ols-related-grid, .ols-course-cta-features { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n      .ols-figure-card { border-radius: 22px; }\n      .ols-figure-image { min-height: 210px; padding: 14px; }\n      .ols-figure-caption { padding: 16px; }\n      .ols-table-wrap { border: none; background: transparent; }\n      .ols-table, .ols-table thead, .ols-table tbody, .ols-table th, .ols-table td, .ols-table tr { display: block; width: 100%; }\n      .ols-table { border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0; }\n      .ols-table thead { display: none; }\n      .ols-table tr { margin-bottom: 14px; border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 18px; overflow: hidden; background: #ffffff; box-shadow: var(--inner-shadow); }\n      .ols-table td { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); padding: 14px 16px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; }\n      .ols-table td:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n      .ols-table td::before { content: attr(data-label); display: block; margin-bottom: 6px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; color: var(--blue); }\n      .ols-author { align-items: flex-start; padding: 22px 18px; border-radius: 22px; }\n      .ols-author-avatar-img { width: 72px; height: 72px; }\n      .ols-author-title { font-size: 24px; }\n      .ols-author-description { font-size: 15px; }\n      .ols-course-cta-card { padding: 20px; border-radius: 24px; }\n      .ols-course-cta-header-row { align-items: stretch; }\n      .ols-course-button-top, .ols-course-button { width: 100%; }\n    }\n  \n    .ols-figure-placeholder .ols-placeholder-box { border: 2px dashed #c9973a; background: #fffaf0; border-radius: 16px; padding: 26px 22px; font-weight: 700; color: #7a4b12; text-align: center; line-height: 1.6; }\n    .ols-figure-placeholder .ols-figure-image { background: transparent; }\n    .ols-figure-placeholder { background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid rgba(28, 36, 75, 0.12); border-radius: 22px; padding: 14px; margin: 18px 0 6px; }\n    .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\">\n  <div class=\"ols-sidebar-header\">\n    <h3>Revision Notes<\/h3>\n    <p>A Level Chemistry<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"ols-topic-group\">\n    <h4>Topic 16 Hydroxy Compounds<\/h4>\n\n    <ul class=\"ols-topic-list\">\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/\">Topic 16 Overview<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/alcohols-naming-classification-and-properties\/\">Alcohols: Naming, Classification and Properties<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/producing-alcohols\/\">Producing Alcohols: Hydration, Fermentation and Biofuels<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/\">Oxidation of Alcohols<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/reactions-of-alcohols\/\">Substitution and Elimination Reactions of Alcohols<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/preparing-and-purifying-organic-liquids\/\">Preparing and Purifying Organic Liquids<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"ols-topic-group\">\n    <h4>Other Sections<\/h4>\n\n    <ul class=\"ols-topic-list\">\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-15-halogen-compounds\/\">Topic 15 Halogen Compounds<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-22-analytical-techniques\/\">Topic 22 Analytical Techniques<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-14-hydrocarbons\/\">Topic 14 Hydrocarbons<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-13-an-introduction-to-as-level-organic-chemistry\/\">Topic 13 Introduction to AS Organic Chemistry<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-20-polymerisation\/\">Topic 20 Polymerisation<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n<\/aside>\n\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      item.classList.remove('active', 'active-main', 'parent-active');\r\n    });\r\n\r\n    sidebar.querySelectorAll('a[data-ols-disabled-parent=\"1\"], a[aria-current]').forEach(function(a) {\r\n      a.removeAttribute('aria-current');\r\n      a.removeAttribute('tabindex');\r\n      a.removeAttribute('data-ols-disabled-parent');\r\n    });\r\n\r\n    links.forEach(function(a) {\r\n      try {\r\n        var href = a.getAttribute('href');\r\n        if (!href || href === '#' || href.charAt(0) === '#') return;\r\n        var linkPath = normalisePath(new URL(href, window.location.origin).pathname);\r\n        if (!linkPath) return;\r\n        if (currentPath === linkPath || currentPath.indexOf(linkPath + '\/') === 0) {\r\n          if (linkPath.length > matchedLength) {\r\n            matched = a;\r\n            matchedLength = linkPath.length;\r\n          }\r\n        }\r\n      } catch(e) {}\r\n    });\r\n\r\n    if (matched) {\r\n      var matchedLi = matched.closest('li');\r\n      var parentSub = matched.closest('.ols-subtopic-list');\r\n\r\n      if (parentSub) {\r\n        if (matchedLi) {\r\n          matchedLi.classList.add('active');\r\n          matched.setAttribute('aria-current', 'page');\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        var parentLi = parentSub.closest('li');\r\n        while (parentLi) {\r\n          parentLi.classList.add('parent-active', 'active-main');\r\n\r\n          var parentLink = parentLi.querySelector(':scope > a');\r\n          if (parentLink) {\r\n            parentLink.setAttribute('aria-current', 'true');\r\n            parentLink.setAttribute('tabindex', '-1');\r\n            parentLink.setAttribute('data-ols-disabled-parent', '1');\r\n          }\r\n\r\n          var higherSub = parentLi.parentElement.closest('.ols-subtopic-list');\r\n          parentLi = higherSub ? higherSub.closest('li') : null;\r\n        }\r\n      } else {\r\n        if (matchedLi) {\r\n          matchedLi.classList.add('parent-active', 'active-main');\r\n          matched.setAttribute('aria-current', 'page');\r\n          matched.setAttribute('tabindex', '-1');\r\n          matched.setAttribute('data-ols-disabled-parent', '1');\r\n        }\r\n      }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    return true;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  if (!highlightActive()) {\r\n    document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', highlightActive);\r\n  }\r\n})();\r\n<\/script>\n\n  <main class=\"ols-main\">\n      <nav class=\"ols-breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/\">Revision Notes<\/a> \/\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/\">A Level Chemistry<\/a> \/\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/\">Cambridge International (CIE)<\/a> \/\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/\">Topic 16 Hydroxy Compounds<\/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\">AS Level<\/div>\n<div class=\"ols-badge\">Topic 16: Hydroxy Compounds<\/div>\n<div class=\"ols-badge\">9701 Papers 1 and 2<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\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 class=\"ols-linkedin-pill\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/doctormohammedfatah\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\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      <\/header>\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 oxidation as gain of oxygen, the colours of dichromate and manganate, and what an acid does to a carbonate.<\/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. Acidified potassium manganate(VII) works in the same way and is also accepted. 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. 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, and 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>. 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>. 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. 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>The practical paper uses the same distillation and reflux techniques to prepare and purify the product.<\/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<\/article>\n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Check: Oxidising Primary Alcohols<\/h2>\n<p>Write products and conditions for primary alcohols other than propan-1-ol and ethanol.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-content\" data-content-id=\"936\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\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. 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). 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. 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>Check: Which Product?<\/h2>\n<p>Predict the oxidation product, or no reaction, for alcohols not shown on this page.<\/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<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. With <strong>Fehling&#8217;s solution or Tollens&#8217; reagent<\/strong> an aldehyde is oxidised to a carboxylic acid while the reagent is reduced: the blue copper(II) ions in Fehling&#8217;s solution give a brick-red precipitate of copper(I) oxide, Cu\u2082O, and the silver ions in Tollens&#8217; reagent are reduced to a silver mirror on the glass. 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. 2CH\u2083COOH + Na\u2082CO\u2083 \u2192 2CH\u2083COONa + H\u2082O + CO\u2082. Aldehydes, ketones and alcohols do not react with carbonates.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>tri-iodomethane test<\/strong> picks out one structure. Warming a compound with alkaline aqueous iodine gives a yellow precipitate of tri-iodomethane, CHI\u2083, if the compound contains a CH\u2083CH(OH)\u2013 group (the iodine first oxidises it to CH\u2083CO\u2013) or a CH\u2083CO\u2013 group already. Ethanol, propan-2-ol and butan-2-ol give the precipitate; methanol, propan-1-ol and butan-1-ol do not.<\/p>\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>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<tr><td><strong>CH\u2083CH(OH)\u2013 or CH\u2083CO\u2013 group<\/strong><\/td><td>alkaline aqueous iodine, warm<\/td><td>yellow precipitate of CHI\u2083<\/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<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<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Check: Tests and Equations<\/h2>\n<p>Choose tests and balance [O] equations for compounds not used above.<\/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-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 Fehling&#8217;s solution 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<section class=\"ols-related-card\">\n<h2>Related Topic 16 Hydroxy Compounds Pages<\/h2>\n<p>Use these pages to connect the ideas across Topic 16 Hydroxy Compounds 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\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/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\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/producing-alcohols\/\">Producing Alcohols: Hydration, Fermentation and Biofuels<\/a>\n<a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/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\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/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\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/\">Topic 16 Hydroxy Compounds Overview<\/a>\n<a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-15-halogen-compounds\/\">Topic 15 Halogen Compounds<\/a>\n<a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-22-analytical-techniques\/\">Topic 22 Analytical Techniques<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"ols-attribution-card\">\n        <p><strong>Copyright and author footprint:<\/strong> This OLS revision page was written for Online Learning System by <strong>Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah<\/strong>. It is designed for A Level Chemistry revision and should not be copied or redistributed without 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 = lightbox.querySelector(\".ols-image-lightbox-close\");\n          var clickableImages = page.querySelectorAll(\"img.ols-lightbox-target\");\n          function openLightbox(image) {\n            lightboxImage.src = image.currentSrc || image.src;\n            lightboxImage.alt = image.alt || \"Expanded revision image\";\n            lightbox.classList.add(\"is-open\");\n            lightbox.setAttribute(\"aria-hidden\", \"false\");\n            if (!document.body.dataset.olsPreviousOverflow) {\n              document.body.dataset.olsPreviousOverflow = document.body.style.overflow || \"default\";\n            }\n            document.body.style.overflow = \"hidden\";\n          }\n          function closeLightbox() {\n            lightbox.classList.remove(\"is-open\");\n            lightbox.setAttribute(\"aria-hidden\", \"true\");\n            lightboxImage.src = \"\";\n            if (document.body.dataset.olsPreviousOverflow) {\n              document.body.style.overflow = document.body.dataset.olsPreviousOverflow === \"default\" ? \"\" : document.body.dataset.olsPreviousOverflow;\n              delete document.body.dataset.olsPreviousOverflow;\n            }\n          }\n          clickableImages.forEach(function(image){\n            image.addEventListener(\"click\", function(event){\n              event.preventDefault();\n              event.stopPropagation();\n              openLightbox(image);\n            });\n          });\n          closeButton.addEventListener(\"click\", closeLightbox);\n          lightbox.addEventListener(\"click\", function(event){ if (event.target === lightbox) { closeLightbox(); } });\n          document.addEventListener(\"keydown\", function(event){ if (event.key === \"Escape\" && lightbox.classList.contains(\"is-open\")) { closeLightbox(); } });\n        })();\n      <\/script>\n\n      <script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/#webpage\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/\",\n      \"name\": \"Oxidation of Alcohols | Topic 16 Hydroxy Compounds | Online Learning System\",\n      \"description\": \"Cambridge International A Level Chemistry revision notes on the oxidation of alcohols: acidified dichromate(VI), aldehydes, carboxylic acids and ketones, distillation versus reflux, [O] equations and tests for aldehydes and acids.\",\n      \"isPartOf\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/#website\"\n      },\n      \"breadcrumb\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/#breadcrumb\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"WebSite\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/#website\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/\",\n      \"name\": \"Online Learning System\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/#breadcrumb\",\n      \"itemListElement\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 1,\n          \"item\": {\n            \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n            \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/\",\n            \"name\": \"Revision Notes\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 2,\n          \"item\": {\n            \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n            \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/\",\n            \"name\": \"A Level Chemistry\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 3,\n          \"item\": {\n            \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n            \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/\",\n            \"name\": \"Cambridge International (CIE)\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 4,\n          \"item\": {\n            \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n            \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/\",\n            \"name\": \"Topic 16 Hydroxy Compounds\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 5,\n          \"item\": {\n            \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n            \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/\",\n            \"name\": \"Oxidation of Alcohols\"\n          }\n        }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Course\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/#course\",\n      \"name\": \"Oxidation of Alcohols\",\n      \"description\": \"Cambridge International A Level Chemistry revision notes on the oxidation of alcohols: acidified dichromate(VI), aldehydes, carboxylic acids and ketones, distillation versus reflux, [O] equations and tests for aldehydes and acids.\",\n      \"provider\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n        \"name\": \"Online Learning System\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/\"\n      },\n      \"educationalLevel\": \"A Level\",\n      \"about\": [\n        \"Alcohols\",\n        \"Halogenoalkanes\",\n        \"Nucleophilic substitution\",\n        \"Elimination\",\n        \"Oxidation of alcohols\",\n        \"Mass spectrometry\",\n        \"Infrared spectroscopy\"\n      ],\n      \"hasCourseInstance\": {\n        \"@type\": \"CourseInstance\",\n        \"courseMode\": \"Online\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ItemList\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/oxidation-of-alcohols\/#relatedtopics\",\n      \"name\": \"Related Topic 16 Hydroxy Compounds Pages\",\n      \"itemListElement\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 1,\n          \"item\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Course\",\n            \"name\": \"Alcohols: Naming, Classification and Properties\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/alcohols-naming-classification-and-properties\/\",\n            \"description\": \"Cambridge International A Level Chemistry revision notes on alcohols: nomenclature, structural, displayed and skeletal formulae, primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols, hydrogen bonding, boiling temperatures and solubility.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 2,\n          \"item\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Course\",\n            \"name\": \"Producing Alcohols: Hydration, Fermentation and Biofuels\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/producing-alcohols\/\",\n            \"description\": \"Cambridge International A Level Chemistry revision notes on producing ethanol: hydration of ethene, fermentation of glucose, conditions and comparison, biofuels and carbon neutrality.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 3,\n          \"item\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Course\",\n            \"name\": \"Substitution and Elimination Reactions of Alcohols\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/reactions-of-alcohols\/\",\n            \"description\": \"Cambridge International A Level Chemistry revision notes on reactions of alcohols: combustion, halogenation with PCl\u2085, KBr and sulfuric acid, and red phosphorus and iodine, and dehydration to alkenes.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 4,\n          \"item\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Course\",\n            \"name\": \"Preparing and Purifying Organic Liquids\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/cie\/topic-16-hydroxy-compounds\/preparing-and-purifying-organic-liquids\/\",\n            \"description\": \"Cambridge International A Level Chemistry revision notes on preparing and purifying organic liquids: reflux, distillation, separating funnel, drying agents, boiling temperature and percentage yield.\"\n          }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n    <\/main>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Revision Notes \/ A Level Chemistry \/ Cambridge International (CIE) \/ Topic 16 Hydroxy Compounds \/ Oxidation of Alcohols Oxidation of Alcohols 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":10980,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10985","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10985","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10985"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10985\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11230,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10985\/revisions\/11230"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10980"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}