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Alcohol

358 bytes added, 21:21, November 11, 2009
==Ethanol==
[[Ethanol]] (C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>OH) is a major industrial spirit widely used in laboratories and household applications. It is also the type used in all [[alcoholic drink|alcoholic beverages]].
 
==Oxidation of Alcohols==
By heating a primary alcohol with an oxidising agent, such as acidified potassium dichromate, an [[aldehyde]] is formed. If the oxidation is down under reflux, the aldehyde will then itself oxidise to a carboxylic acid.
 
Secondary alcohols also oxidise, forming a [[ketone]]. Ketones, unlike aldehydes, cannot be oxidised further.
[[Category:Organic Chemistry]]
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