Question

Which of the following cannot oxidize ethanol?

a. potassium dichromate b. potassium permanganate
c. sulphuric acid d. potassium sulphate

Answer 1

Answer:

a. potassium dichromate is the write answer

Explanation:

Potassium dichromate, K 2Cr 2O 7, is a common inorganic chemical reagent, most commonly ... In contrast, potassium permanganate tends to give carboxylic acids as the sole ... Tertiary alcohols cannot be oxidized.

Answer 2

Option (b) Potassium permanganate cannot oxidize ethanol.

Explanation:

• An acidic medium $KMnO4$ cannot be used to oxidize primary alcohols as well as aldehydes.
• The oxidation process will not stop at the aldehyde stage and will further continue to carboxylic acid.
• Oxidation will stop at the aldehyde stage, here we need a mild oxidizing agent such as PCC or PDC is used.
• Tertiary butyl alcohol is resistant to oxidation only with neutral/alkaline $K2Cr2O7$.
• Potassium permanganate is a weak oxidizer as compared with chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and ozone.