alcohol oxidation

Question

Oxidation of a primary alcohol with PCC (pyridinium chlorochromate) gives:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Primary Alcohol Oxidation**: Primary alcohols ($R-CH_2OH$) can be oxidized in two steps: first to aldehydes ($R-CHO$) and then to carboxylic acids ($R-COOH$).
2. **Reagent Nature**: Pyridinium Chlorochromate (**PCC**) is a controlled, mild oxidizing agent.
3. **Solvent**: It is typically used in anhydrous solvents like dichloromethane ($CH_2Cl_2$).
4. **Mechanism**: Since there is no water present, the aldehyde intermediate cannot form a hydrate (gem-diol), which is necessary for further oxidation to the acid.
5. **Result**: The reaction stops cleanly at the **aldehyde stage**. In contrast, stronger reagents like 'Jones reagent' or acidified $KMnO_4$ would push the oxidation all the way to the carboxylic acid.

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alcohol oxidation

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