What is the first product formed when primary alcohols are oxidized?

When primary alcohols undergo oxidation, they are initially converted into aldehydes. This occurs because the oxidation process involves the removal of a hydrogen atom from the hydroxyl (–OH) group and another from the carbon atom that is bonded to the hydroxyl group. During this step, the alcohol loses two hydrogen atoms, which allows for the formation of the carbonyl (C=O) group characteristic of aldehydes.

The aldehyde formed can further undergo oxidation to form a carboxylic acid if the oxidation continues, but the question specifically asks for the first product formed in the oxidation of primary alcohols. This initial step, yielding aldehydes, does not occur in secondary alcohols, which instead produce ketones upon oxidation, illustrating the specificity of the process based on the type of alcohol being oxidized. Thus, the correct answer reflects the accurate understanding of the oxidation of primary alcohols.