recall the reactions by which carboxylic acids can be produced: (a) oxidation of primary alcohols and aldehydes with acidified \( K_2Cr_2O_7 \) or acidified \( KMnO_4 \) and refluxing (b) hydrolysis of nitriles with dilute acid or dilute alkali followed by acidification (c) hydrolysis of esters with dilute acid or dilute alkali and heat followed by acidification
(a) classify alcohols as primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols, to include examples with more than one alcohol group (b) state characteristic distinguishing reactions, e.g. mild oxidation with acidified \( K_2Cr_2O_7 \) colour change from orange to green