I keep getting “Oxidation of alcohols” questions wrong in Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers. What's the trap?
trying to oxidise a tertiary alcohol to a ketone or acid.
The usual trap: trying to oxidise a tertiary alcohol to a ketone or acid. How to avoid it: no α-hydrogen on the C–OH carbon (3°) → no easy oxidation. Go back to the definition — primary alcohols oxidise to aldehydes then acids, secondary to ketones, and tertiary resist oxidation (no H on the carbon).
Key point
Oxidation of alcohols
Common mistake
trying to oxidise a tertiary alcohol to a ketone or acid.
Memory tip
no α-hydrogen on the C–OH carbon (3°) → no easy oxidation.
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