3 C2H5OH + 2 KMnO4 + 2 H2SO4 → Mn2SO4 + 3 CH3COOH + K2SO4 + 5 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
2 MnVII + 10 e- → 2 MnII (reduction)
3 C-II - 12 e- → 3 CII (oxidation)
SVI + 2 e- → SIV (reduction)
KMnO4 is an oxidizing agent, C2H5OH is a reducing agent, H2SO4 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- Mn2SO4
- CH3COOH – Acetic acid , Ethanoic acid
- Other names: Vinegar (when dilute); Hydrogen acetate; Methanecarboxylic acid , Methanecarboxylic acid , CH3-COOH
- Appearance: Colourless liquid ; Colourless liquid with pungent odour ; Colorless liquid or crystals with a sour, vinegar-like odor. [Note: Pure compound is a solid below 62°F. Often used in an aqueous solution.]
- K2SO4
- H2O – Water, oxidane