Question

Complete the equations for these oxidations. (a) \(\mathrm{Hexanal}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2} \longrightarrow\) (b) 3-Phenylpropanal + Tollens' reagent \(\longrightarrow\)

Short answer

Question: Write the equations for the oxidation reactions of (a) Hexanal using hydrogen peroxide, and (b) 3-Phenylpropanal using Tollens' reagent. Answer: (a) Hexanal + H2O2 → Hexanoic acid $$\mathrm{CH_3(CH_2)_4CHO} + \mathrm{H_2O_2} \longrightarrow \mathrm{CH_3(CH_2)_4COOH}$$ (b) 3-Phenylpropanal + Tollens' reagent → 3-Phenylpropanoic acid + Silver mirror $$\mathrm{C_6H_5CH_2CH_2CHO} + \mathrm{[Ag(NH_3)_2]^{+} + OH^{-}} \longrightarrow \mathrm{C_6H_5CH_2CH_2COOH} + \mathrm{Ag}$$

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the Oxidation Reaction for Hexanal

Hexanal is an aldehyde and undergoes oxidation when reacted with hydrogen peroxide (H\(_2\)O\(_2\)). In this reaction, the aldehyde group (-CHO) of Hexanal is oxidized to a carboxylic acid group (-COOH).

(a) Writing the Product for Hexanal Oxidation Reaction

Given the information above, we can now write the equation for the oxidation reaction of Hexanal: Hexanal (also can be written as hexan-1-al) + H\(_2\)O\(_2\) \(\longrightarrow\) Hexanoic acid The final equation should look like this: $$\mathrm{CH_3(CH_2)_4CHO} + \mathrm{H_2O_2} \longrightarrow \mathrm{CH_3(CH_2)_4COOH}$$

Identifying the Oxidation Reaction for 3-Phenylpropanal

3-Phenylpropanal is an aldehyde and undergoes oxidation when reacted with Tollens’ reagent. Tollens’ reagent is an ammoniacal solution of silver nitrate, which works as a mild oxidizing agent. In this reaction, the aldehyde group of 3-Phenylpropanal is oxidized to a carboxylic acid group.

(b) Writing the Product for 3-Phenylpropanal Oxidation Reaction

Given the information above, we can now write the equation for the oxidation reaction of 3-Phenylpropanal: 3-Phenylpropanal + Tollens' reagent \(\longrightarrow\) 3-Phenylpropanoic acid + Silver mirror The final equation should look like this: $$\mathrm{C_6H_5CH_2CH_2CHO} + \mathrm{[Ag(NH_3)_2]^{+} + OH^{-}} \longrightarrow \mathrm{C_6H_5CH_2CH_2COOH} + \mathrm{Ag}$$ (Silver mirror is formed as a result of the oxidation reaction with Tollens' reagent).