C3H5(OH)3 + 8 CuSO4 + 16 NaOH → 3 HCOOH + 4 Cu2O + 8 Na2SO4 + 9 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
8 CuII + 8 e- → 8 CuI (reduction)
3 C-2/3 - 8 e- → 3 CII (oxidation)
CuSO4 is an oxidizing agent, C3H5(OH)3 is a reducing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- HCOOH – Formic acid , Methanoic acid
- Other names: Carbonous acid; Formylic acid; Hydrogen carboxylic acid; Hydroxy(oxo)methane; Metacarbonoic acid; Oxocarbinic acid; Oxomethanol , Hydrogen carboxylic acid , Aminic acid
- Appearance: Colorless fuming liquid ; Colourless fuming liquid with pungent odour ; Colorless liquid with a pungent, penetrating odor. [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution.]
- Cu2O – Copper(I) oxide
- Na2SO4
- H2O – Water, oxidane