Step 1: Understanding the oxidation of aldehydes.
Aldehydes are oxidized to carboxylic acids when they react with oxidizing agents. The oxidation involves the conversion of the aldehyde group (-CHO) to a carboxyl group (-COOH), forming an acid.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
(A) an alcohol: Aldehydes are not typically oxidized to alcohols; they are reduced to alcohols instead.
(B) a ketone: Aldehydes are not oxidized to ketones; ketones are already oxidized compounds.
(C) an ether: Aldehydes do not oxidize to form ethers. Ethers are formed by different processes, such as dehydration reactions.
(D) an acid: Correct — Aldehydes are oxidized to carboxylic acids.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) because the oxidation of an aldehyde results in the formation of a carboxylic acid.