Question 8 of 28intermediate💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

Why is the conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid an oxidation reaction?

Correct Answer

The conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid is an oxidation reaction because oxygen is added to the starting material during the process. When ethanol (CH₃-CH₂OH) is converted to ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH), oxygen atoms are incorporated into the molecule.

This reaction is carried out using alkaline potassium permanganate or acidified potassium dichromate as oxidising agents. These substances are capable of adding oxygen to others, which is why they are called oxidising agents. Since the conversion involves the addition of oxygen to ethanol, it is classified as an oxidation reaction.

Exercise: QUESTIONS | Q: 1 | (Page 14)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The textbook clearly explains that oxidation involves adding oxygen to a substance. The reaction equation shows ethanol being converted to ethanoic acid in the presence of oxidising agents like alkaline KMnO₄ or acidified K₂Cr₂O₇. The key concept is that oxidising agents add oxygen to the starting material, making this an oxidation reaction.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify that ethanol (CH₃-CH₂OH) is converted to ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH)

  2. Step 2: Recognize that this conversion involves adding oxygen to the starting material

  3. Step 3: Understand that substances adding oxygen are oxidising agents, making this an oxidation reaction

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