Ethanol is heated under reflux with acidified potassium dichromate(VI). What is the product?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Ethanoic acid
- Step 1: Primary alcohols oxidise first to aldehydes. Step 2. Under reflux the aldehyde stays in the flask and is oxidised further to the carboxylic acid. Answer: Ethanoic acid. Why not the others: ethanal forms only if it is distilled off as it forms; the ester requires a carboxylic acid and an alcohol; ethene requires dehydration.
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