Question

convert propanal to butanol

Answer 1

Hi mate

To convert propanol to 2- butanol, first step would be to oxidise propanol to propanal (an aldehyde) assuming you are starting with 1-propanol. Also the choice of the oxidising agent is important. If potassium permanganate, chromic acid or potassium dichromate is used, the expected product will be propanoic acid as the oxidizing agents mentioned are quite strong. Preferably a milder variant of chromium based oxidant called pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) should be used to get the desired aldehyde (propanal). Finally react propanal with methyl magnesium bromide (CH3-MgBr) a Grignard reagent followed by acid work up to get 2-butanol. See reaction scheme given below.

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