Question

Which of the statements applies to oxidation?

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is: (A) Ketones cannot be oxidized further

Explanation:

Oxidation refers to the gain of oxygen or the formation of carbon-oxygen bond (C-O bond).

Alcohols are organic compounds containing at least one hydroxyl group. These compounds can be further classified into primary (R-CH₂-OH), secondary (R¹R²CH-OH) and tertiary alcohols (R¹R²R³C-OH).

• The partial oxidation of primary alcohol gives aldehyde (R-CHO). Further oxidation of aldehyds gives carboxylic acid (R-COOH). Primary alcohol can also be oxidized directly to carboxylic acid. However, the carboxylic acid can not be further oxidized.

$R-CH_{2}-OH \overset{[O]}{\rightarrow} R-CHO \overset{[O]}{\rightarrow} R-COOH \\R-CH_{2}-OH \overset{[O]}{\rightarrow} R-COOH$

• Oxidation of secondary alcohols gives ketones (R¹R²C=O), which can not be oxidized further.

$R^{1}R^{2}CH-OH \overset{[O]}{\rightarrow} R^{1}R^{2}C=O$

• Whereas, tertiary alcohols are resistant to oxidation.

Therefore, the correct statement regarding oxidation is (A) Ketones cannot be oxidized further.