A student mixed ethyl alcohol with a small amount of sodium dichromate and added it to the hot solution of dilute sulphuric acid. A vigorous reaction took place. He distilled the product formed immediately. What was the product?
Correct answer: D. Acetaldehyde
- A. Acetone
- B. Acetic acid
- C. Dimethyl ether
- D. Acetaldehyde
Explanation
Acetaldehyde is the product of the described reaction. The oxidation of ethanol with sodium dichromate and dilute sulfuric acid results in the formation of acetaldehyde as an intermediate product. Acetaldehyde is an aldehyde and is often further oxidized to acetic acid under more vigorous conditions or in the presence of excess oxidizing agents.
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About Aldehydes and Ketones
Aldehydes and ketones contain the polar carbonyl group, but aldehydes are generally more readily oxidised and more reactive than ketones. Coverage includes preparation by oxidation or reduction routes, nucleophilic addition of reagents such as hydrogen cyanide and bisulfite, and tests that distinguish aldehydes from ketones.
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