The synthesis of 2-butanone, a ketone, from 2-butanol, an alcohol, as an example of a common type of organic synthesis. Three basic steps are developed: synthesis, purification, identification. In the synthesis, 2-butanol is oxidized by sodium dichromate and sulfuric acid to yield 2-butanone. Purification is accomplished by solvent extraction with ether followed by distillation of the 2-butanone. The identity of the product is established by infrared absorption spectroscopy and then more clearly by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Science Consultant: Professor T. A. Geissman, University of California, Los Angeles. Wardâs Volume 5, CHEM Study #4163, 20 1/2 minutes. In color, 1989.