Ethanoic acid () is a colourless liquid at r.t.p and has the smell of vinegar
- vinegar is a dilute solution $abt 4%) of ethanoic acid → used in food as preservative and
→ it is formed by oxidation of ethanol.
Oxidation of Ethanol by Atmospheric Oxygen
Vinegar, dilute solution of ethanoic acid → produced in industries by oxidation of a solution of ethanol/ ethanol reacts with atmospheric oxygen in presence of 1 type of bacteria that is usually present in air to become ethanoic acid.
Oxidation of Ethanol by Acidified Potassium Manganate(VII)
in lab → ethanoic acid prepared by heating a mixture of ethanol and acidified potassium manganate(VII) i.e. a mixture of potassium manganate(VII) solution and dilute sulfuric acid
- redox reaction takes place Oxidation and Reduction Main Note
Potassium manganate(VII) acts as oxidising agent. it is reduced
changes from purple to colourless
ethanol acts as reducing agent. it is oxidised to ethanoic acid.