Question

Why is the conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid considered an oxidation reaction? Write the oxidising agent used in the reaction involved.

Answer 1

Conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid is an oxidation reaction because oxygen is added to ethanol to convert it to ethanoic acid.

\[\ce{CH3 - CH2OH->[Alkaline KMnO4 + Heat][Or acidifted K2Cr2O7 + Heat] CH3COOH}\]

In the above reaction, alk. KMnO₄/acidified K₂Cr₂O₇ add oxygen to ethanol, hence they are called oxidising agents.