The molecular formula C5H12O represents several alcohol isomers. Here are the possible structures:
- 1-Pentanol (CH3–(CH2)4–OH)
- 2-Pentanol (CH3–CH–(CH2)2–OH)
- 3-Pentanol (CH3–CH2–CH–(CH2)–OH)
- 2-Methyl-1-butanol (CH3–CH–(CH3)–CH2–OH)
- 3-Methyl-1-butanol (CH3–CH2–CH–(CH3)–OH)
- 2-Methyl-2-butanol (CH3–C–(CH3)2–OH)
Among these alcohols, an oxidation reaction with chromium trioxide (CrO3) can occur primarily with the following:
- 1-Pentanol
- 2-Pentanol
- 3-Pentanol
- 2-Methyl-1-butanol
These alcohols can be oxidized to their corresponding aldehydes or ketones, depending on the position of the hydroxyl (-OH) group. However, tertiary alcohols like 2-Methyl-2-butanol do not undergo oxidation with chromium trioxide, as tertiary alcohols lack a hydrogen atom on the carbon bearing the -OH group, which is necessary for the oxidation process.