What Does It Mean To Oxidise An Alcohol?
To oxidize an alcohol means to add an oxygen atom to it, which results in the loss of a hydrogen atom from the alcohol molecule. The process is often carried out using an oxidizing agent such as potassium permanganate or chromic acid. The product of the oxidation reaction depends on the type of alcohol being oxidized, but commonly results in the formation of a carbonyl compound such as an aldehyde or ketone. This reaction is an important step in the synthesis of many organic compounds and is widely used in chemical industries.