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EEJ MAIN Chemistry QUESTION #5580
Question 1
PCC (Pyridinium chlorochromate) is the most suitable reagent for the oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes ($R-CH_2-OH \to R-CHO$) because:
  • $CrO_3$ oxidizes further to carboxylic acid
  • PCC selectively stops at the aldehyde stage✔️
  • $KMnO_4$ is too mild a reagent
  • $K_2Cr_2O_7$ is selective for aldehydes
Correct Answer Explanation
PCC (Pyridinium chlorochromate, $C_5H_5NH^+CrO_3Cl^-$) is a mild oxidizing agent that converts primary alcohols to aldehydes without over-oxidizing to carboxylic acids. $CrO_3$, $K_2Cr_2O_7$, and $KMnO_4$ are stronger oxidants that convert primary alcohols all the way to carboxylic acids. PCC is the most suitable reagent for $R-CH_2OH \to R-CHO$.