Strong Oxidation, Oxidative Cleavage of Alkenes

In this video created by Chemistry Guru, Singapore's leading JC Chemistry tuition centre, we want to discuss the strong oxidation or oxidative cleavage of alkenes with KMnO₄, dilute H₂SO₄, heat.

On strong oxidation the C=C double bond will break and what each carbon is converted to depends on the groups that are attached to that carbon.

Let's take a look at the possibilities:

For alkene carbon bonded to 2 R groups, it'll be oxidised to ketone.

For alkene carbon bonded to 1 R group and 1 H, it'll be oxidised to acid.

For alkene carbon bonded to 2 H, it'll be oxidised to carbon dioxide and water.

Let's have 2 examples. Take a look at the first one.

Carbon 1 is attached to 2 H, so it'll be oxidised to carbon dioxide and water.

Carbon 2 is attached to 1 methyl group and 1 H, so it'll be oxidised to acid.

We can then write down the products:

Here's another example.

Carbon 2 is attached to 2 methyl groups so it'll be oxidised to ketone.

Carbon 3 is attached to 1 ethyl group and 1 H, so it'll be oxidised to acid.

Hence we can determine the products for this oxidation:

If the above 2 examples are too simple for you, check out my recent video where we deduce the original structure of hydrocarbon when the products of oxidation are given.

For the detailed step-by-step discussion on how to determine products for strong oxidation of alkenes, check out this video!

Topic: Alkenes, Organic Chemistry, A Level Chemistry, Singapore

Back to other previous Organic Chemistry Video Lessons.

Found this A Level Chemistry video useful?

This free chemistry video lesson is brought to you by Chemistry Guru, Singapore's reputable A Level Chemistry tuition centre since 2010.

Please like this video and share it with your friends!

Join my 18,000 subscribers on my YouTube Channel for new A Level Chemistry video lessons every week.

Check out other A Level Chemistry Video Lessons here!

Need an experienced tutor to make Chemistry simpler for you?

Do consider signing up for my JC Chemistry Tuition classes at Bishan or online chemistry classes!