How does pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) differ from other oxidizing agents in oxidizing primary alcohols, and what is the product obtained from the oxidation of secondary alcohols?

Pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) is a milder oxidizing agent compared to stronger ones like potassium permanganate or chromium trioxide. PCC selectively oxidizes primary alcohols to aldehydes without further oxidation to carboxylic acids. This mildness prevents overoxidation, making PCC useful for synthesizing aldehydes selectively. In the oxidation of secondary alcohols, regardless of the oxidizing agent used, ketones are formed as the final product. The distinguishing feature of PCC lies in its ability to stop the oxidation at the aldehyde stage for primary alcohols, providing control and selectivity in the oxidation process.