Oxidation of Alcohols - KMnO4

[jmarjorie]

Dear All,

 

Will alkaline / acidic KMnO4 oxidize Ethanol to Ethanoic acid at room temp ?

Thanks,

jmarjorie

[Tartaglia]

Yes but I would consider using a less aggressive oxidant. Practically anything will work including atmospheric oxygen

[chuinhen]

No ..

At least u must warm it when using acidified KMnO4

 

and u must reflux or heat it when using alkaline KMnO4 ..

 

If no heat is provide the reaction will take place in a very very slow rate or mayb no reaction occurs .

 

Or u will get a intermediate product .. that is Ethanal .. if u distillate it .