Question

Name the oxidising agents used for the conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid. Distinguish between ethanol and ethanoic acid on the basis of (i) litmus test, (ii) reaction with sodium carbonate.

Answer 1

oxidizing agent- KMnO4
ethanol
I) no action on litmus
ii) no reaction with sodium carbonate.
ethanoic acid
I)turns blur litmus red
ii)forms sodium acetate, water and carbon dioxide.