[4mylGL6]

Why is it that when KMnO₄ is added to a primary alcohol it creates an aldehyde, and then an organic acid, and when it is added to a secondary alcohol, it creates a ketone?
Why does the oxygen atom create these particular bonds in these alcohols?

[Alberto_Kravina]

In a secondary alcohol the OH group is between 2 alkyl groups. The oxidizing agent oxidizes the OH group to a carbonyl group C=O. Since the carbonyl group is between two alkyl groups the end product is a ketone. R-CO-R

In a primary alcohol the OH group is attached to an alkyl group and a H-atom. Again, the oxidizing agent dehydrogenates the OH group to a carbonyl group, but since the C=O functional group is't between 2 alkyl groups but between an alkyl group and a hydrogen atom the product is an aldehyde. The aldehyde is partially oxidized to an acid with excess oxidizing agent.

This are the differences between a primary and a secondary alcohol:

H₃C-CH₂-OH => Example for a primary alcohol (Ethanol)
H₃C-CH-CH₃ => Example for a secondary alcohol
        |
         OH  

By the way, I would suggest to move this topic in the organic chemistry forum :coffee1:

[forislam20]

hydrogen atoms are the most important thing to care for on the oxidation of carbonyl compounds !!!!!!!!!!!1

[qlabel]

Aldehydes are more reactive than ketones, just to say it.