What is the result of using chromium trioxide (CrO3) with dilute sulfuric acid on a primary alcohol?

When chromium trioxide (CrO3) is used with dilute sulfuric acid, it acts as a strong oxidizing agent. In the oxidation of primary alcohols, the process typically proceeds through an intermediate formation of aldehydes. However, under the influence of CrO3 and with the acidic environment provided by sulfuric acid, the oxidizing conditions are strong enough to fully oxidize the primary alcohol to a carboxylic acid.

Primary alcohols generally undergo oxidation to first form aldehydes; however, if the oxidation is allowed to proceed further or if a stronger oxidizing agent like chromium trioxide is used, the aldehyde can then be immediately further oxidized to a carboxylic acid. The dilute sulfuric acid assists in solubilizing the chromium compound and enhances the oxidizing capabilities, leading to the complete oxidation of the primary alcohol.

Thus, the reaction leads to the formation of a carboxylic acid as the final product when using chromium trioxide with dilute sulfuric acid, confirming that the correct answer is indeed the conversion to a carboxylic acid.