During the oxidation of ethanol, the alpha carbon changes:
Correct answer: A. oxidation state
- A. oxidation state
- B. methylene group
- C. functional group carbon
- D. beta carbon
Explanation
During the oxidation of ethanol (CH3CH2OH), the alpha carbon refers to the carbon atom adjacent to the hydroxyl group (OH) in the ethanol molecule. The alpha carbon in ethanol is the second carbon atom in the chain (CH3CH2OH).When ethanol undergoes oxidation, the alpha carbon changes from a methyl group (-CH3) to a carboxylic acid group (-COOH). The oxidation process involves the removal of hydrogen atoms from the alpha carbon, resulting in the formation of an acetic acid molecule (CH3COOH). The oxidation can be represented as follows:CH3CH2OH (Ethanol) + [O] → CH3COOH (Acetic acid) + H2O.In this reaction, the alpha carbon (the second carbon in the ethanol chain) undergoes oxidation, and its oxidation state increases from -1 in ethanol to +3 in acetic acid.
Last updated
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.
Practise Aldehydes and Ketones
679 free Aldehydes and Ketones MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 12 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.