Question

How to convert propanoic acid to ethanoic acid

Answer 1

propanic acid formula is CH3CH2COOH
Ethanoic acid formula is CH3COOH
so the CH2 in propanic acid is bonded to others after convert into ethanoic acid

Answer 2

Explanation;

Step 1 :Treat the propanoic acid with NaOH and them heat it in the presence of soda lime and heat which will give ethane.

$C_2H_5COOH+NaOH+CaO\overset{heat}\rightarrow CH_3-CH_3$

Step 2: On reaction with chlorine the ethane will give chloro ethane.

$C_2H_6+Cl_2\rightarrow CH_3-CH_2CL+HCl$

Step :3 Now add chloro-ethane in aqueous KOH which will give ethanol.

$CH_3-CH_2Cl+KOH(aq)\rightarrow CH_3CH_2OH$

Step 4: Oxidation of ethanol in the presence of $K_2Cr_2O_7$ in acidic medium will give ethanoic acid..

$CH_3CH_2OH +K_2Cr_2O_7\overset{H^+}\rightarrow CH_3COOH$