15.3.4

Oxidisation of Ethanol

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Oxidisation of Ethanol

Ethanol can be oxidised in a number of ways:

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Oxygen in the air

  • When ethanol reacts with oxygen in the air it forms ethanoic acid.
Illustrative background for Oxidising agentIllustrative background for Oxidising agent ?? "content

Oxidising agent

  • An oxidising agent (e.g. potassium dichromate(VI)) can be used to produce ethanoic acid.
    • For example, if you add potassium dichromate(VI) to dilute sulfuric acid and ethanol and heat, ethanoic acid is produced.
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Other alcohols

  • The same is true for other alcohols.
    • When methanol is oxidised, methanoic acid is produced.
    • When propanol is oxidised, propanoic acid is produced.
    • When butanol is oxidised, butanoic acid is produced.

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1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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