How do aldehydes oxidize?
1 Answer
Mar 6, 2017
Usually very easily..........
Explanation:
we can assign formal oxidation states to the ipso carbons:
Of course, we need some form of oxidizing agent. And this could be some form of chromic oxide - in my hands these have never worked as advertized. Usually the difficulty is at stopping at the aldehyde; oxidation to the carboxylic acid is the thermodynamic outcome.