Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone

R₂CHOH + [O] → R₂CO + H₂O

Overview

Secondary alcohols are oxidized to ketones by various oxidizing agents. Unlike primary alcohols, secondary alcohols cannot be over-oxidized because ketones lack the C-H bond needed for further oxidation. The Jones reagent (CrO₃/H₂SO₄) is a standard reagent for this transformation.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Product	Water H₂O	1	(l)

Everyday Example

Acetone (propanone), the simplest ketone and a common nail polish remover solvent, can be made by oxidizing isopropanol.

Industrial Importance

Ketone synthesis is important in pharmaceutical manufacturing, perfume production (muscone, civetone), and in producing industrial solvents.

Properties

Type: Organic
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -170.0 kJ/mol
Catalyst: CrO₃ in H₂SO₄ (Jones reagent)

Related Reactions

Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Amide Formation (Acetic Acid + Ammonia) Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Bromination of Ethylene Buchwald-Hartwig Amination Cannizzaro Reaction of Formaldehyde Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Condensation Polymerization (Nylon 6,6)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone?

The balanced equation is: R₂CHOH + [O] → R₂CO + H₂O.

What type of reaction is Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone?

Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone is a organic reaction.

Is Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone exothermic or endothermic?

Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -170.0 kJ/mol.

What conditions are needed for Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone?

This reaction requires a catalyst (CrO₃ in H₂SO₄ (Jones reagent)).