Question

What would be observed on adding a 5% alkaline potassium permanganate solution drop by drop to some warm ethanol in a test-tube? Write the name of the compound formed during the chemical reaction. Also write chemical equation of the reaction which takes place.

Answer 1

When 5% alkaline potassium permanganate solution is added drop by drop to warm ethanol in a test tube, an oxidation reaction would be observed by us. Ethanol is oxidised to ethanoic acid in the presence of the strong oxidising agent alkaline potassium permanganate.
The chemical equation for the above reaction is as follows:
CH₃CH₂OH + 2[O] → CH₃COOH + H₂O