Oxidation of Ethanol (OCR A Level Chemistry)

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PAG 5.3: Oxidation of Ethanol

Oxidation of ethanol

  • Primary alcohols can be oxidised to form aldehydes which can undergo further oxidation to form carboxylic acids
    • When ethanol is oxidised, ethanal is produced and when oxidised further ethanoic acid will be formed

Synthesis and purification of ethanal and ethanoic acid 

  • Carefully add 20 cm3 of acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution, K2Cr2O7 (aq), to a 50 cm3 pear-shaped flask and cool the flask in an iced water bath
  • Set up the reflux apparatus keeping pear shaped flask cool
  • Place anti-bumping granules into the pear shaped flask 
  • Measure out 1 cm3 of ethanol 
  • Using a pipette, slowly add the ethanol drop wise into the reflux condenser
  • When the ethanol has been added remove the ice bath and allow to warm up to room temperature 
  • Position the flask over an electric heater or in a water bath and heat for 20 minutes 
    • Ethanol is flammable, therefore. naked flames should not be used when heating which is why the use of an electric heater or water bath is an important safety precaution 
  • Purify the product using distillation apparatus 

Heating under Reflux (1), downloadable IB Chemistry revision notes

Reflux apparatus for the oxidation of ethanol to ethanoic acid

Carbonyl Compounds Synthesis of Aldehydes, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Oxidation of ethanol by acidified K2Cr2O7 to form an aldehyde by distillation

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Philippa

Author: Philippa

Expertise: Chemistry

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener.