Name the oxidising agent used for the conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid. Distinguish between ethanol and ethanoic acid on the basis of (i) litmus test, (ii) reaction with sodium hydrogen carbonate.
Alkaline KMnO4 or acidified potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) are used for the conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid. Ethanol: Ethanol has no effect on red or blue litmus solution. No gas evolved when ethanol is treated with sodium hydrogen carbonate. Ethanoic acid: Ethanoic acid turns blue litmus solution red. Ethanoic acid reacts with sodium hydrogen carbonate to evolve carbon dioxide along with the formation of salt and water. CH3COOH + NaHCO3 → CH3COONa + CO2 + H2O
