Question

What would be observed on adding a 50% solution of alkaline potassium permanganate drop by drop to some warm ethanol taken in a test tube

Answer 1

oxidation reaction will occur when 5% of alkaline potassium permaganate is added to the ethanol.  the name of the compound formed is ethanoic acid(acetic acid). we can perform the process of Esterification to identify this compound.  

Answer 2

When alkaline potassium permanganate is added to ethanol, it oxidises ethanol and form ethanoic acid, thus proving that potassium permanganate is an oxidising agent