Question

how to convert ethene to ethane-1,2-diol?

Answer 1

Ethene added to oxygen gives epoxyethane which on reacting with water gives ethane 1,2 diol

Answer 2

Explanation:

Alkene with aqueous solution of potassium permanganateon stirring at room temperature results in cis -hydroxylation of alkene.

So, when ethene is stirred in $KMnO_4$ solution at room temperature gives ethane-12- diol that is glycol.

$CH_2=CH_2+MnO_4^-\rightarrow CH_2(OH)-CH_2(OH)+H_2O$