Chromic acid (H2CrO4) oxidizes alcohols in aqueous solutions of sodium dichromate. It reacts with alcohols to form a chromic ester in which the alcohol oxygen atom bridges the carbon and chromium atoms. Thus, the ester forms by nucleophilic attack of the alcohol's oxygen atom on the chromium atom.
What is the use of chromic acid?
Chromic Acid (Dichromic Acid, Chromium Trioxide) is most known for its use in the metal finishing (intermediate in chromium plating) industry. Other common uses are as a wood preservative, production of plastic products, ceramic glazes and to clean laboratory glassware.
What does chromic acid do to ketones?
Ketones are not oxidized by chromic acid, so the reaction stops at the ketone stage. In contrast, primary alcohols are oxidized by chromic acid first to aldehydes, then straight on to carboxylic acids.
