Dichromate Oxidation of Ethanol

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

Visão geral

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

Papel	Substância	Coeficiente	Estado
Reagente	Ethanol C₂H₅OH	3	(aq)
Produto	Acetic Acid CH₃COOH	3	(aq)
Produto	Water H₂O	11	(l)

Exemplo do cotidiano

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

Importância industrial

A oxidação por dicromato foi historicamente importante na síntese orgânica. A prática moderna usa espectrometria de infravermelhos ou células de combustível para testes de alcoolemia. A conversão química é fundamental para a educação química.

Propriedades

Tipo: Redox
Reversível: Não
Energia: 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.