Dichromate Oxidation of Ethanol

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

Aperçu

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.

Participants

Rôle	Substance	Coefficient	État
Réactif	Ethanol C₂H₅OH	3	(aq)
Produit	Acetic Acid CH₃COOH	3	(aq)
Produit	Water H₂O	11	(l)

Exemple du quotidien

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

Importance industrielle

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

Propriétés

Type: Redox
Réversible: Non
Énergie: Exothermique
ΔH: -1920,0 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

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.