Overview: This video continues the two-part series by oxidizing benzoin to benzyl using nitric acid as the oxidant. The procedure involves heating to about 70°C with stirring, monitoring the reaction, and venting nitrogen dioxide due to the oxidizing agent. After completion, cold water is used to quench and precipitate the product, which is filtered and dried. Purification is achieved by recrystallization from hot ethanol, yielding approximately 4.8 g (97%) of pale yellow benzyl, with some benzoin impurity remaining as indicated by a qualitative NaOH test. An alternative oxidation using copper sulfate and pyridine is mentioned as potentially giving a purer product. The video also teases a follow-up on converting the product to benzylic acid.
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