Fill in the missing reactant, reagent, or product for each of the following oxidation reactions.
(c)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the product of the reaction, which is benzoic acid. The structure shows a benzene ring with a carboxylic acid group (COOH) attached.
2. Recognize that the reagent used is chromic acid (H₂CrO₄) in water, which is a strong oxidizing agent commonly used to oxidize primary alcohols to carboxylic acids.
3. Determine the possible starting material that could be oxidized to form benzoic acid. Since benzoic acid is a carboxylic acid, the starting material is likely a primary alcohol or an aldehyde.
4. Consider the structure of the product, benzoic acid, which suggests that the starting material is benzyl alcohol (C₆H₅CH₂OH), a primary alcohol.
5. Conclude that benzyl alcohol is oxidized by chromic acid to form benzoic acid, completing the reaction scheme.

Key Concepts

Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion. In organic chemistry, this often involves the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen. Understanding oxidation is crucial for predicting the products of reactions, especially in the context of organic compounds undergoing transformations.

Common Oxidizing Agents

Oxidizing agents are substances that facilitate oxidation by accepting electrons. Common oxidizing agents in organic chemistry include potassium permanganate (KMnO4), chromium trioxide (CrO3), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Recognizing these agents helps in identifying the reactants or products in oxidation reactions.

Reaction Mechanisms

A reaction mechanism describes the step-by-step process by which reactants are converted into products. Understanding the mechanism of oxidation reactions is essential for predicting the structure of products and the conditions required for the reaction. This includes knowing about intermediates and transition states that may form during the reaction.