MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

Primary alcohols ( R-CH _2 OH ) can be oxidized to aldehydes ( R-CHO ) or carboxylic acids ( R-COOH ) depending on the oxidizing agent used. Strong oxidizing agents like acidic KMnO _4, K _2 Cr _2 O _7 / dil. H _2 SO _4, and CrO _3 in aqueous medium oxidize primary alcohols directly to carboxylic acids. To limit the oxidation to the aldehyde stage, mild oxidizing agents are required. Pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) is a mild oxidizing agent that selectively oxidizes primary alcohols to aldehydes and prevents further oxidation to carboxylic acids. R-CH _2 OH PCC R-CHO Answer: PCC