Question

Write the equation for the oxidation of compound ethanol in the presence of an oxidizing agent.

Answer 1

The oxidation equation for ethanol, using [O] to denote an oxidizing agent, is CH3CH2OH [O] CH3CHO + H2O. This reaction converts ethanol into acetaldehyde and water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks for the oxidation equation of the organic compound ethanol in the presence of an oxidizing agent. Ethanol, which has the molecular formula C2H5OH or CH3CH2OH, is a primary alcohol that can be oxidized to form an aldehyde, specifically acetaldehyde (ethanal). The general representation of this reaction, using [O] to indicate an unspecified oxidizing agent, is shown below:

CH3CH2OH [O] CH3CHO + H2O

In this equation, the symbol [O] above the arrow signifies the presence of an oxidizing agent that facilitates the reaction. Commonly, dichromate ions in an acidic solution are used as the oxidizing agent for such laboratory reactions. The process involves the removal of hydrogen atoms from ethanol, forming water as a byproduct and generating acetaldehyde.

Oxidation of ethanol is a crucial chemical reaction that is not only relevant in laboratory settings but also occurs in nature, such as in the human liver where enzymes oxidize ethanol into acetaldehyde as part of the metabolic process. Understanding this chemical transformation is fundamental for fields like organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Answer 2

The oxidation of ethanol in the presence of an oxidizing agent is represented by the equation CH3CH2OH + [O] → CH3CHO + H2O. This reaction transforms ethanol into acetaldehyde and water, with '[O]' symbolizing the presence of an oxidizing agent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question specifically requests the equation for the oxidation of the compound ethanol in the presence of an oxidizing agent. The oxidation of ethanol, which is a primary alcohol, often yields an aldehyde. The balanced chemical equation representing this oxidation reaction, with an unspecified oxidizing agent, is:
CH3CH2OH + [O] → CH3CHO + H2O
In this reaction, ethanol (C2H5OH) is converted into acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) with the release of water (H2O). The symbol '[O]' above the reaction arrow indicates the use of an oxidizing agent, which could be a variety of substances, such as the dichromate ion in an acidic solution. This reaction demonstrates a typical organic oxidation process where the ethanol molecule loses hydrogen atoms and gains an oxygen atom, thus becoming oxidized to form acetaldehyde.