Question

benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a gentle, pleasant aroma. what is the first product formed when benzyl alcohol is oxidized?

Explanation:

Primary alcohols like benzyl alcohol are oxidized to aldehydes in the first - step oxidation process. Benzyl alcohol has a primary - OH group attached to a carbon that is bonded to one other carbon atom. Oxidation of a primary alcohol first forms an aldehyde. The aldehyde corresponding to benzyl alcohol is benzaldehyde.

Answer:

The structure with a carbon - oxygen double bond (C=O) where the carbon of the C=O is bonded to a hydrogen and the benzene ring (the fourth option from the top in the image which represents benzaldehyde).