Dichromate Oxidation of Ethanol

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

Descripción general

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.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Ethanol C₂H₅OH 3 (aq)
Producto Acetic Acid CH₃COOH 3 (aq)
Producto Water H₂O 11 (l)

Ejemplo cotidiano

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

Importancia industrial

La oxidación con dicromato fue históricamente importante en síntesis orgánica. La práctica moderna evita el Cr(VI) por su toxicidad, empleando en su lugar oxidantes más ecológicos.

Propiedades

Tipo
Redox
Reversible
No
Energía
Exotérmico
ΔH
-1920,0 kJ/mol

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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.