[taniabahr]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone could help me out with some questions im struggling to answer.

In relation to the topic:

1) How can I explain the colour changes during oxidation, in relation to oxidation-reduction?

2) Why was it important that temp remained low and that a large excess of ox agent was avoided?

3) If citronellol was oxidised the same way what product would come about and why?

4) Finally, the (+) and (-) signs in front of menthol and menthone, does that just represent the fact there is a 50/50 mixture of enantiomers?


I need this info ASAP!!!!

Thanks

[Sev]

The color change is probably due to the reduction of the oxidising agent.  For example, if you used sodium dichromate as the oxidising agent, the solution probably changed color from orange to green.  This is because Na2Cr2O7 is orange, and Cr (III) is green.

Citronellol is a primary alcohol so it would be oxidised to a carboxylic acid (or an aldehyde depending on the conditions).

The + and - refer to the dextrorotatory and levorotatory enantiomers respectively.  A racemic mixture is gennerally denoted (+/-).

Hope that helps.

[carajom]

hmmm, sounds rather like a prac report I'm doing at the moment. . . . . dodgy, eh?