ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Oppenauer oxidation

Oppenauer oxidation is like giving a special drink to one chemical so that it can turn into another chemical. It's like magic, but it's science!

Here's how it works:

1. You start with a chemical called an alcohol. It's like a person who loves to drink milk (but this alcohol drink is not for kids!).

2. You add a tiny bit of a special mix to the drink. This mix is like a recipe that only grown-ups can read, and it's made up of two things: a metal called aluminum and a liquid called an aldehyde.

3. The aluminum in the mix is like a superhero that helps the drink turn into a new chemical called a ketone. It's like a person who used to drink milk but now likes to drink coffee instead.

4. The aldehydes in the mix are like helpers that make sure the whole process goes smoothly. They're like a team of superheroes that watch over the superhero aluminum to make sure he gets the job done right.

5. After a few minutes, the alcohol starts to change into a ketone. It's like watching a butterfly turn from a caterpillar.

6. And voila! You have successfully transformed one chemical into another using Oppenauer oxidation! But remember, this is an experiment that should only be done by a grown-up who knows what they're doing.