Which of the following statements is true of the oxidation of tertiary alcohols?
A) It involves the loss of oxygen.
B) It involves the gain of electrons.
C) The oxidation of tertiary alcohols produces ethers.
D) Tertiary alcohols resist oxidation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tertiary alcohols resist oxidation because they do not have a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group. Therefore, there is no hydrogen to be lost in the oxidation process. Tertiary alcohols can be oxidized only under very strong conditions, such as using powerful oxidizing agents like chromic acid or potassium permanganate, and the products formed are generally ketones or carboxylic acids rather than ethers.

Which of the Following Statements Is True of the Oxidation