video tutorial Make benzaldehyde from benzyl alcohol via persulfate oxidation

Summary

• The video explains converting benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde using ammonium persulfate as the oxidant, noting the process is difficult and requires multiple attempts and careful temperature control due to radical mechanisms involved.
• Overall workflow at a high level: prepare an aqueous persulfate solution, combine with benzyl alcohol in water, and add the oxidant gradually while maintaining a controlled temperature to prevent runaway reactions; observe indicators such as color changes to gauge reaction progress.
• The product is isolated through an aqueous/organic workup, purification via a bisulfite adduct formation, followed by washing, drying, and final isolation of benzaldehyde.
• Reported outcome: a strong yield (about 86%) of benzaldehyde from benzyl alcohol under optimized conditions; the product typically has an almond-like odor and can appear slightly brown.
• Common pitfalls discussed: excessively high temperatures can cause rapid over-oxidation to benzoic acid; slow addition can give more time for unwanted oxidation; attempts to speed up with co-solvents like methanol often lead to over-oxidation.
• The video includes demonstrations of failed attempts to help viewers learn from mistakes.