Reaction Summary
Preparation of Alcohols
From Reagent / Catalyst Product formed
Alkene Dilute acid (H+ / H2SO4) Alcohol (Markovnikov)
Alkene BH3 + H2O2 / NaOH Alcohol (Anti■Markovnikov)
Aldehyde H2/Ni or NaBH4/LiAlH4 Primary alcohol
Ketone H2/Ni or NaBH4/LiAlH4 Secondary alcohol
Carboxylic acid LiAlH4 Primary alcohol
Grignard + carbonyl Hydrolysis Alcohol
Reduction Summary
Compound Reagent Converts into
Aldehyde NaBH4 / LiAlH4 Primary alcohol
Ketone NaBH4 / LiAlH4 Secondary alcohol
Carboxylic acid LiAlH4 Primary alcohol
Ester LiAlH4 Alcohol
Oxidation of Alcohols
Alcohol type Oxidising agent Product
Primary PCC Aldehyde
Primary KMnO4 / K2Cr2O7 Carboxylic acid
Secondary CrO3 / KMnO4 Ketone
Tertiary - No oxidation
Dehydration
Reactant Catalyst Product
Alcohol Conc. H2SO4 / H3PO4 + heat Alkene
Phenol Preparation