The complete oxidation of propan-1-ol

For this reaction we use the oxidizing agent sodium dichromate (VI) acidified with sulfuric acid. The oxidation of a primary alcohol is a two stage process, first an aldehyde is produced and then this is further oxidized to a carboxylic acid. In this experiment we intend to oxidize propan-1-ol completely to the carboxylic acid, propanoic acid. To do this we must ensure complete oxidation to avoid obtaining the aldehyde at the mid way stage. This is done by using an excess quantity of oxidizing agent and heating the reaction mixture under reflux for some time.

At the end of the experiment we shall separate our product from the other materials present by distillation. We then check the product for the presence of a carboxylic acid group by adding sodium carbonate solution and looking for effervescence. We also check the product by heating it with Benedict's solution and looking for the orange-red precipitate which is shows the presence of an aldehyde group. If we have been successful in fully oxidizing the primary alcohol there should be no aldehyde present.

Video - the oxidation of propan-1-ol to propanoic acid