Ethanol can be converted in to ethanoic acid by:
Correct answer: A. Oxidation
- A. Oxidation
- B. Fermentation
- C. Hydration
- D. Hydrogenation
Explanation
Ethanol can be oxidized to ethanoic acid by using oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate (KMnO4), chromium trioxide (CrO3) or acidified potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). The reaction involves the loss of hydrogen atoms from the ethanol molecule, resulting in the formation of an aldehyde (acetaldehyde) which is then further oxidized to form the carboxylic acid (ethanoic acid).For example, the oxidation of ethanol using acidified potassium dichromate can be represented by the following equation:CH3CH2OH + 2[O] → CH3CHO + H2OCH3CHO + [O] → CH3COOHWhere [O] represents the oxidizing agent.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2012 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Alcohols
Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group attached to a saturated carbon atom and are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary. Their nomenclature, hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation, dehydration, reaction with sodium and conversion to haloalkanes are covered, along with the distinction between alcohols and phenols, where the hydroxyl group is attached directly to an aromatic ring.
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