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GCSEChemistryWJECRevision Notes2. Chemical Bonding, Application Of Chemical Reactions & Organic Chemistry2.5 Crude Oil, Fuels & Organic ChemistryOxidation of Alcohols

Oxidation of Alcohols (WJEC GCSE Chemistry)

Revision Note

Philippa Platt

Last updated

Microbial Oxidation

What is microbial oxidation?

  • Microbial oxidation occurs when a substance is oxidised by microbes such as bacteria or yeast
  • When ethanol undergoes oxidation ethanoic acid is formed
  • The bacteria Acetobacter causes this reaction to take place
  • We can use [O] in an equation to represent oxidation
    • Oxidation is also the removal of hydrogen from the ethanol, this is why water is formed
  • The equation for this reaction is:

C2H5OH + 2[O] → CH3COOH + H2O

Ethanol being oxidised to ethanoic acid

oxidation-of-ethanol-to-ethanoic-acid

We can use [O] to represent oxidation in an equation. When an alcohol is oxidised a carboxylic acid is formed.

  • Whilst this process is useful in the manufacture of vinegar where ethanol (commonly sourced from fermented fruits or grains) is converted into ethanoic acid (vinegar) the process can lead to drink products being 'spoiled'
    • For example, beer and wine will 'go off' if left exposed to the air for a period of days
  • This can also occur with other alcohols

Products from oxidation of alcohols

Alcohol  Oxidation product
Propanol Propanoic acid
Butanol Butanoic acid

Higher Tier

  • Oxidation of the alcohol results in the carboxylic acid having a higher proportion of oxygen and a lower proportion of hydrogen than in the alcohol

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    Philippa Platt

    Author: Philippa Platt

    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.