Edexcel International AS Chemistry

Revision Notes

3.2.3 Propan-1-ol Oxidation

Test Yourself

Core Practical 7: Oxidation of Propan-1-ol

Oxidation of propan-1-ol

  • Primary alcohols can be oxidised to form aldehydes which can undergo further oxidation to form carboxylic acids
    • When propan-1-ol is oxidised, ethanal is produced and when oxidised further propanoic acid will be formed

Synthesis and purification of propanal and propanoic acid 

  • Carefully add 20 cm3 of acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution, K2Cr2O7 (aq), to a 50 cm3 pear-shaped flask and cool the flask in an iced water bath
  • Set up the reflux apparatus keeping pear shaped flask cool
  • Place anti-bumping granules into the pear shaped flask 
  • Measure out 1 cm3 of propan-1-ol 
  • Using a pipette, slowly add the propan-1-ol drop wise into the reflux condenser
  • When the propan-1-ol has been added remove the ice bath and allow to warm up to room temperature 
  • Position the flask over an electric heater or in a water bath and heat for 20 minutes 
    • Propan-1-ol is flammable, therefore. naked flames should not be used when heating which is why the use of an electric heater or water bath is an important safety precaution 
  • Purify the product using distillation apparatus 

Heating under Reflux (1), downloadable IB Chemistry revision notes

Reflux apparatus for the oxidation of propan-1-ol to propanoic acid

Carbonyl Compounds Synthesis of Aldehydes, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Oxidation of propan-1-ol by acidified K2Cr2O7 to form propanal by distillation

Hazards, risks and precautions

flammable-harmful-oxidising

  • The alcohols used are flammable and often harmful to health, e.g, propan‐1‐ol, butan‐1‐ol, pentan‐1‐ol
  • The alcohols should be kept away from naked flames, e.g. a Bunsen burner
  • Avoid contact with the skin and breathing in the vapour
  • A fume cupboard can be used for harmful alcohols
  • Potassium dichromate is a strong oxidising agent and should be handled with care
  • Spillages should be mopped up right away with plenty of water

You've read 0 of your 0 free revision notes

Get unlimited access

to absolutely everything:

  • Downloadable PDFs
  • Unlimited Revision Notes
  • Topic Questions
  • Past Papers
  • Model Answers
  • Videos (Maths and Science)

Join the 80,663 Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Philippa

Author: Philippa

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener.