| Oxidation of Aniline with Benzoyl Peroxide |
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Narrative
A drop of aniline is added to solid benzoyl peroxide in a test tube. Amines are oxidized by strong oxidizing agents. The mixture undergoes a color change, then a puff of smoke issues from the test tube.
Discussion
The puff of smoke issues from the test tube as the aniline is oxidized. Amines contain nitrogen in the same -3 oxidation state as ammonia. Oxidizing reagents oxidize amines to higher oxidation states.
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