33.1.3—Oxidation of carboxylic acids

Carboxylic acids are already highly oxidised at the carbonyl carbon, but some can undergo further oxidation under strong conditions, depending on the structure.

Do not assume every carboxylic acid has an ordinary oxidation product. Identify the carbon framework and the oxidant before predicting cleavage or further oxidation.

Methanoic acid is readily oxidised to carbon dioxide and water because it still has a hydrogen attached to the carbonyl carbon; ethanoic acid is much more resistant under typical syllabus conditions.

“Carboxylic acid cannot oxidise” is too absolute, while “all acids oxidise to CO₂” ignores structural and condition boundaries.