Question

how to convert ethanol to but 2enoic acid

Answer 1

Conversion of but -2-enoic acid from ethanol.

Answer 2

Ethanol can be converted to Buta-2-eonic acid by undergoing Aldol Condensation on further dehydration and mild oxidation giving But-2-eonic acid.

• Aldol Condensation: Reaction between enolates and carbonyl compounds resulting beta-hydroxy aldehyde or beta-hydroxy-ketol.
• Conversion of ethanol to But-2-eonic acid:
• $2CH_3CHO$ → $CH_3-CH=CH-CHO$  →$CH_3-CH=CH-COOH$
• In the first half of the reaction, there is the conversion of ethanol to but-2-enal by undergoing aldol condensation and dehydration(Removal of a water molecule).
• In the second half of the reaction, but-2-enal undergoes mild oxidation giving the final product as but-2-eonic acid.