classify alcohols as primary, secondary or tertiary and statecharacteristic distinguishing reactions, e.g. mild oxidation withacidified K2Cr2O7

Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the number of carbon atoms connected to the carbon atom that is connected to the OH group.

1. Primary Alcohols: In a primary (1°) alcohol, the carbon atom that carries the -OH group is only attached to one alkyl group. An example is Ethanol, where the alcohol carbon atom is attached to only one methyl group.

2. Secondary Alcohols: In a secondary (2°) alcohol, the carbon with the -OH group attached is joined directly to two alkyl groups, which may be the same or different. An example is Isopropyl alcohol.

3. Tertiary Alcohols: In a tertiary (3°) alcohol, the carbon atom holding the -OH group is attached directly to three alkyl groups, which may be any combination of same or different. An example is tert-Butyl alcohol.

Characteristic Distinguishing Reactions:

1. Oxidation: Primary alcohols can be oxidized to form aldehydes and carboxylic acids; secondary alcohols can be oxidized to form ketones. Tertiary alcohols, in contrast, cannot be oxidized without breaking the molecule's C-C bonds.

For example, if you react primary alcohols with acidified potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), you get aldehydes or carboxylic acids. Secondary alcohols will give you ketones. Tertiary alcohols will not be oxidized by acidified potassium dichromate.

Remember, the "mild" oxidation means that the oxidizing agent (in this case, acidified K2Cr2O7) is used in controlled amount and the reaction conditions are not harsh, allowing the oxidation to stop at the aldehyde stage for primary alcohols.