Dichromate Oxidation of Ethanol

2Cr2O72− + 3C2H5OH + 16H+ → 4Cr3+ + 3CH3COOH + 11H2O

Übersicht

Potassium dichromate oxidizes ethanol to acetic acid in acidic solution. Chromium(VI) is reduced to chromium(III), changing color from orange to green. The ethanol is oxidized through acetaldehyde to acetic acid. This color change was the basis of early breathalyzer tests.

Teilnehmer

Rolle Substanz Koeffizient Zustand
Reaktant Ethanol C₂H₅OH 3 (aq)
Produkt Acetic Acid CH₃COOH 3 (aq)
Produkt Water H₂O 11 (l)

Alltägliches Beispiel

Early police breathalyzer devices (Breathalyzer tubes) used this reaction, where the orange-to-green color change indicated blood alcohol level.

Industrielle Bedeutung

Dichromate oxidation was historically important in organic synthesis. Modern practice avoids Cr(VI) due to carcinogenicity, replacing it with catalytic or enzymatic methods.

Eigenschaften

Typ
Redox
Reversibel
Nein
Energie
Exotherm
ΔH
-1920,0 kJ/mol

Verwandte Reaktionen

Iron(II) to Iron(III) Oxidation by Oxygen Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite Copper Reduction of Silver Ion Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II) Chlorine Oxidation of Bromide Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidizing Agent (Acidic) Displacement of Hydrogen from Acid by Magnesium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Dichromate Oxidation of Ethanol?
The balanced equation is: 2Cr₂O₇²⁻ + 3C₂H₅OH + 16H⁺ → 4Cr³⁺ + 3CH₃COOH + 11H₂O.
What type of reaction is Dichromate Oxidation of Ethanol?
Dichromate Oxidation of Ethanol is a redox reaction.
Is Dichromate Oxidation of Ethanol exothermic or endothermic?
Dichromate Oxidation of Ethanol is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -1920.0 kJ/mol.