16 H3O+ + 3 C2H5OH + 2 Cr2O72- → 3 C2H4O2 + 4 (Cr)3+ + 27 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
6 C-II - 12 e- → 6 C0 (oxidation)
4 CrVI + 12 e- → 4 CrIII (reduction)
C2H5OH is a reducing agent, Cr2O72- is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- C2H4O2 – 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.]
- Cr3+
- H2O – Water, oxidane