Reactions

Mechanistically, the alcohol oxygen attacks the electrophilic chromium(VI) center of chromic acid, generated in situ from CrO₃ and H₂SO₄, to form a chromate ester. Water then deprotonates the carbon in ɑ position relative to the oxygen atom of the intermediate, leading to the formation of the carbonyl compound and reduced chromium(IV). For primary alcohols, the aldehyde formed at this step is rapidly hydrated to give a geminal diol. This intermediate can form a second chromate ester and undergo a further oxidation, ultimately yielding the corresponding carboxylic acid. As a result, Jones oxidation generally does not stop at the aldehyde stage. The reaction is highly efficient and broadly applicable; however, the use of toxic chromium(VI) reagents and the generation of chromium waste have led to the development of more environmentally benign oxidation methods.