A microscale oxidation of alcohols

In association with

A close-up photograph of a laboratory well-plate with 24 wells, containing an orange-yellow solution

Source: © Shutterstock

Use this practical to investigate the oxidation reactions of various alcohols with acidified potassium dichromate. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment using a microscale well-plate, students add acidified dichromate(VI) to primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols to observe the difference in their oxidation reactions.

The experiment can be done by students in 20 minutes.

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