Acetaldehyde undergoes oxidation to produce acetic acid. In this reaction the oxidizing agent used is:

  • A. HI
  • B. LiAlH4
  • C. K2Cr2O7
  • D. NaBH4

Explanation

Acidified potassium dichromate is the standard oxidising agent for converting an aldehyde to a carboxylic acid, turning from orange to green as chromium is reduced from plus 6 to plus 3. Lithium aluminium hydride and sodium borohydride are reducing agents and would drive the reaction the other way, back towards the alcohol. Hydrogen iodide is a reducing agent as well.

Related questions