Which carboxylic acid is obtained when ethanol is oxidised with alkaline potassium permanganate?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Ethanoic acid
Alkaline potassium permanganate is a strong oxidising agent. It oxidises the primary alcohol ethanol to ethanoic acid: \(\mathrm{CH_3CH_2OH + 2[O] \rightarrow CH_3COOH + H_2O}\). Ethanal can be an intermediate product, but further oxidation gives ethanoic acid.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Ethanoic acid
Why is this the correct answer?
Alkaline potassium permanganate is a strong oxidising agent. It oxidises the primary alcohol ethanol to ethanoic acid: \(\mathrm{CH_3CH_2OH + 2[O] \rightarrow CH_3COOH + H_2O}\). Ethanal can be an intermediate product, but further oxidation gives ethanoic acid.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Carbon and its Compounds.