What class of alcohol is not easily oxidised
Alcohols that are not easily oxidized are primary alcohols. Primary alcohols tend to undergo oxidation reactions at a slower rate compared to secondary and tertiary alcohols.
Alcohols can be classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols based on the number of carbon atoms attached to the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group (OH).
Primary alcohols have one carbon attached to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group (e.g., ethanol), secondary alcohols have two carbons attached to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group (e.g., isopropanol), and tertiary alcohols have three carbons attached to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group (e.g., tert-butanol).
When it comes to oxidation reactions, primary alcohols are more easily oxidized compared to secondary and tertiary alcohols. This is because primary alcohols have a hydrogen atom directly bonded to the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group. This hydrogen atom can be easily removed during oxidation to form an aldehyde and subsequently a carboxylic acid.
On the other hand, secondary and tertiary alcohols do not have a hydrogen atom directly bonded to the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group. Therefore, they are relatively resistant to oxidation reactions.
In summary, tertiary alcohols are the class of alcohols that are least easily oxidized.