Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
OXIDATION
Partial Oxidation of Paraffins
Paraffins
RCH
2
CH
3
Alcohols
RCH
2
CH
2
OH
Aldehydes
RCH
2
CHO
or ketones
RCOCH
3
Acids
RCH
2
COOH
Complete Oxidation
Organic compounds
+
O
2
CO
2
+
H
2
O
When sufficient oxygen is present, organic compounds can undergo
complete oxidation (burning) with the formation of carbon dioxide and
water. By controlling the oxidation reaction (i.e., by limiting the amount
of oxygen), a series of intermediate oxidation products is obtainable. As
the degree of oxidation of a paraffin hydrocarbon progresses, first an alcohol
(
−
C
−
OH) is produced, then an aldehyde (
−
CH
=
O) or ketone (
C
=
), then
an acid (
−
COOH), and finally complete oxidation.
