The oxidation of cyclohexanol by nitric acid

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Perform a ring opening oxidation using nitric acid to produce the dicarboxylic acid, 1,6-hexanedioic acid (adipic acid) – and then use the solid crystals that form to determine a melting point. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students will determine a melting point for solid crystals that have been created though a ring opening oxidisation. Using nitric acid to produce dicarboxylic acid, 1,6-hexanedioic acid (adipic acid), they can then explore the conversion of cyclohexanol.

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