Oxidation of Alcohols to Carboxylic Acids Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

PERSONALISED 1-TO-1 TUTORING

Need more help on this topic? Get 1-to-1 support

Get support with clear explanations, practice and feedback (Ages 5 to 16).

  • DBS-checked tutors
  • Flexible times
  • Parents can be updated

Want an ad-free experience? Subscribe to remove ads

In chemistry, what does it mean to oxidise an alcohol?

It means the alcohol reacts with oxygen, often forming a carboxylic acid and water.

When an alcohol is oxidised, what type of compound is usually formed?

A carboxylic acid is usually formed.

Write a word equation for the oxidation of ethanol to ethanoic acid.

Ethanol + oxygen → ethanoic acid + water.

What happens to the functional group when an alcohol is oxidised to a carboxylic acid?

The alcohol -OH group changes into a carboxylic acid -COOH group.

How can wine or cider left open in air turn into vinegar?

Tiny living things in the air oxidise the ethanol to ethanoic acid, which gives vinegar its sour taste.

What is the difference between burning ethanol and gently oxidising ethanol in the lab?

Burning ethanol in lots of air gives carbon dioxide and water. Gentle oxidation gives ethanoic acid and water.

In the lab, what do chemists use to oxidise alcohols to carboxylic acids?

They use chemical oxidising agents that give oxygen, instead of just burning the alcohol.

How does the name of an alcohol change when it is oxidised to a carboxylic acid?

The ending -ol changes to -oic acid, for example ethanol becomes ethanoic acid.

What simple test shows that a carboxylic acid has formed when an alcohol is oxidised?

The solution turns blue litmus paper red, showing that an acid is present.

Why is the oxidation of ethanol to ethanoic acid useful in everyday life?

It makes vinegar, which is used as a food flavouring and preservative.