Question

Explain about the oxidation reaction of Glycerol with different oxidising reagents.

Answer 1

1. Oxidation of glycerol with dii. FINO₃ gives glyceric acid and tartronic acid. 

2. Oxidation of glycerol with Conc. HNO₃ gives mainly glyceric acid. 

3. Oxidation of glycerol with bismuth nitrate gives as meso oxalic acid.

4. Oxidation of glycerol with Br₂ /H₂O (or) NaOBr (or) Fenton reagent (FeSO₄ + H₂O₂)

5. gives a mixture of glyceraldehyde and dihydroxy acetone(glycerose).

6. On oxidation with HIO₄ or Lead tetra acetate (LTA) it gives formaldehyde and formic acid.

7. Acidified KMnO₄ oxidises glycerol into oxalicacid.