Question

41. a) Write the molecular formula of the following and show that they form homologous series. i) Methanol
ii) Ethanol iii) Propanol
b) Write the equation of the chemical reaction taking place when ethanol is heated with alkaline potassium permanganate and name the product​

Answer 1

Ans .

a)

Methanol = CH3OH

Ethanol = C2H5OH

Propanol = C3H7OH

It is apparent that the molecular atomic difference between two consecutive formulas is -CH2- .

For eg. Methanol and ethanol differ by -CH2-

b)

Chemical eq. as follows ->

C2H5OH -----(Heated with alk. KMnO4)------>CH3COOH

The prodeuct formed is ethanoic acid i.e., CH3COOH

Here, Alk. KMnO4 acts as an oxidising agent as it is capable for adding oxygen to the compound .