# Pentan-1-ol (C₅H₁₁OH) is an alcohol. Describe how pentan-1-ol can be oxidised in the laboratory, name the organic product formed, and explain how you would confirm that oxidation has occurred.

> Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0) — 6.5 Alcohols and oxidation · Describe · 5 marks

> Alcohols can be oxidised using an oxidising agent. The product of oxidising a primary alcohol is a carboxylic acid.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Acidified potassium dichromate(VI) / acidified potassium manganate(VII) is used as the oxidising agent
2. The mixture is heated (e.g. under reflux or warmed)
3. The organic product formed is pentanoic acid
4. The colour change of the oxidising agent confirms oxidation has occurred — acidified potassium dichromate(VI) changes from orange to green
5. The product can be identified as a carboxylic acid because it turns blue litmus red / has a pH below 7 / reacts with sodium carbonate to produce bubbles of carbon dioxide

## Key terms

- [oxidation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/oxidation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/pentan-1-ol-c-h-oh-is-an-alcohol-describe-b550f9e8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.