6 C3H5OH + 4 Cr2O72- + 32 H+ → 9 C2H4O2 + 8 (Cr)3+ + 16 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
18 C-4/3 - 24 e- → 18 C0 (oxidation)
8 CrVI + 24 e- → 8 CrIII (reduction)
C3H5OH is a reducing agent, Cr2O72- is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
- C3H5OH
- Cr2O72-
- H+
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