Jones Oxidation: Primary Alcohols → Carboxylic Acids (Mechanism + When It Over-Oxidizes)

Step-by-step Jones oxidation mechanism. Chromic acid, chromate esters, why aldehydes over-oxidize in water, and common exam traps.

• Reaction: 1° ROH → RCO2H; 2° ROH → ketone
• What it does: Strong oxidation (aqueous) that over-oxidizes aldehydes
• Typical reagents: CrO3, H2SO4, acetone (Jones reagent)
• Key intermediate: Chromate ester
• Driving force: Hydride transfer/elimination; aldehyde hydrate oxidizes further
• Exam type: Reagent selection
• Exam type: Predict product