3 Alcohols Cannot Be Oxidized Carbon does not have hydrogen,so oxidation is difficult and involves the breakage of a C-C bond. Chromic acid test is for primary and secondary alcohols because tertiary alcohols do not react. Summary of Alcohol Oxidations To Oxidize Product Reagent 2°alcohol ketone chromic acid (or PCC) 1°alcohol aldehyde PCC 1°alcohol carboxylic acid chromic acid Copyright2010 Pearson Prentice Hall,Inc. Chapter 11 11Chapter 11 11 3° Alcohols Cannot Be Oxidized • Carbon does not have hydrogen, so oxidation is difficult and involves the breakage of a C—C bond. • Chromic acid test is for primary and secondary alcohols because tertiary alcohols do not react