Study Oxidation of alcohol using (i) Complete combustion reaction (ii) Oxidation using oxidising agent.
Alcohols are a class of organic compounds that have one, two, or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups linked to a single alkane bond. The formula for these compounds is -OH. The process of oxidation transforms alcohols into aldehydes and ketones. In the discipline of organic chemistry, this is one of the most significant reactions.
Ethanol, often known as ethyl alcohol, is a hydrocarbon fuel that is utilised in laboratories and factories. CH3-CH2-OH or C2H5-OH is the chemical formula. When ethanol is burned in air, it combines with oxygen, producing CO2 and water, much like any other hydrocarbon fuel. This is an exothermic process, meaning it produces a lot of heat energy.
Oxidation process involves gain of oxygen by the elements or compounds.
Alcohol can be oxidised to form various products under different conditions.
2C2H5OH + 6O2 → 4CO2 + 6H2O + Heat
C2H5OH + KMnO4 + Heat → CH3CHO → CH3COOH
Ethanol Ethanal Ethanoic acid
The completion of reaction is characterised by the decolourisation of potassium permanganate solution.
Primary alcohols, like other organic molecules, burn well in the presence of oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water.
Types of Alcohols – Oxidation Reaction
Alcohols are classified into three types based on the chemical groups connected to the carbon atom:
To distinguish between primary, Secondary and Tertiary. The alcohols are oxidised with sodium dichromate in the oxidation test (Na2Cr2O7). The rate of oxidation varies depending on whether the alcohol is primary, secondary, or tertiary. Alcohols are classified as follows based on their oxidation rates:
As a result, the rate of oxidation when using sodium dichromate aids in the identification of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohol.