Question

Name the oxidising agent used for the conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid. Distinguish between ethanol and ethanoic acid on the basis of (i) litmus test, (ii) reaction with sodium carbonate 

Answer 1

Concentrated acidified potassium dichromate, K₂Cr₂O₇ [K₂Cr₂O₇/H₂SO₄ (conc.)] is the oxidising agent used for conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid.

(i) Litmus test will be given by ethanoic acid. It will turn the blue litmus solution red whereas in ethanol no such colour change is observed.

(ii) Ethanoic acid will react with sodium carbonate and a brisk effervescence owing to formation of carbon dioxide will be observed.

2CH₃COOH + Na₂CO₃ → 2CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂

On the other hand ethanol will not react with sodium carbonate.

C₂H₅OH + Na₂CO₃ → No reaction