Which acid is generally formed by oxidation of ethanol?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Ethanoic acid
Ethanol, with the formula CH3CH2OH, is a primary alcohol. On oxidation, it first forms ethanal and can then undergo further oxidation to ethanoic acid, CH3COOH, when the oxidising conditions are sufficient. Therefore option A is correct. Methanoic and propanoic acids contain different carbon skeletons, while carbonic acid is not the normal oxidation product of ethanol.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Ethanoic acid
Why is this the correct answer?
Ethanol, with the formula CH3CH2OH, is a primary alcohol. On oxidation, it first forms ethanal and can then undergo further oxidation to ethanoic acid, CH3COOH, when the oxidising conditions are sufficient. Therefore option A is correct. Methanoic and propanoic acids contain different carbon skeletons, while carbonic acid is not the normal oxidation product of ethanol.
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.
