Alkanes, oxidation with chromic acid

Oxidations of alkanes and cycloalkanes are rare and not easy. The rates of oxidation with chromic acid of methyl, methylene, and methine... 

It is important, however, that not all the radicals formed are liberated in the solution, since the oxidation of (+)-3-methylheptane by chromic acid involves the formation of (+)-3-methyl-3-heptanol with retention of configuration to the extent of 70-85%. The normal selectivity has been observed in the hydroxylation of branched alkanes. 

Recall from Section 13.10 that chromic acid (H2Cr04) is astrong oxidizing agent used to oxidize primary or secondary alcohols. Chromic acid does not readily react with benzene or with alkanes ... 

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