The oxidation of secondary alcohols to ketones is an important oxidation reaction in organic chemistry.
When a secondary alcohol is oxidised, it is converted to a ketone. The hydrogen from the hydroxyl group is lost along with the hydrogen bonded to the second carbon. The remaining oxygen then double bonds with the carbon. This leaves a ketone, as R1–COR2. Ketones cannot normally be oxidised any further because this would involve breaking a C–C bond, which requires too much energy.
The reaction can occur using a variety of oxidants.
Read more about Oxidation Of Secondary Alcohols To Ketones: Potassium Dichromate, Dess–Martin Oxidation, Swern Oxidation, See Also
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