Question

What can primary alcohols be oxidized into?

Answer 1

TO aldehydes, then to carboxylic acids, and then of course to carbon dioxide.

Explanation:

`RCH_2OH + 1/2O_2 rarr RC(=O)H + H_2O`

`RC(=O)H + 1/2O_2(g) rarr RC(=O)OH`

Look at the individual oxidation states of the ipso carbon:
`RCH_2OH, -I`; `RC(=O)H, +I`; `RC(=O)OH, +III`; `CO_2, +IV`.

I doubt that you would actually have to learn these oxidation states. I include it as a demonstration of the redox manifold of the carbon atom; of course, `C` in methane `CH_4` has an oxidation state of `-IV`. And `C` in ethylene, `H_2C=CH_2` has an oxidation state of `-II`...often we speak of oxidation of an olefin, or reduction to ethane, i.e. `C(-III)`...