Question

Please help!! It's due tomorrow morning!!!!!

--Why is it necessary to use a mixed aqueous-organic solvent system for the oxidation of cyclohexENE?

Answer 1

To oxidize cyclohexene, we use an inorganic reagent such as potassium permanganate which dissolves in water but not in cyclohexene (an organic liquid). A mixed solvent, such as ethanol and water, helps create a single phase so that the two reagents, cyclohexene and permanganate can be in better contact with one another so they can react.