3 CH3OH + 2 K2Cr2O7 + 8 H2SO4 → 3 HCOOH + 2 Cr2(SO4)3 + 2 K2SO4 + 11 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
3 C-II - 12 e- → 3 CII (oxidation)
4 CrVI + 12 e- → 4 CrIII (reduction)
CH3OH is a reducing agent, K2Cr2O7 is an oxidizing 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.]
- Cr2(SO4)3 – Chromium(III) sulfate
- K2SO4
- H2O – Water, oxidane