Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Jones reagent: An aqueous solution of chromic acid (H₂CrO₄). Prepared by dissolving chromium trioxide (CrO₃) or potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) in concentrated H₂SO₄ followed by dilution with water and acetone.

Jones reagent oxidizes a secondary alcohol (such as 2-propanol) to the corresponding ketone (acetone).


Jones reagent is aqueous and strongly acidic. Under these conditions an aldehyde is in equilibrium with the corresponding geminal diol. Jones reagent oxidizes the geminal diol to a carboxylic acid.


Jones reagent oxidizes a primary alcohol to an aldehyde, and subsequently to a carboxylic acid.