3 C₂H₅OH + 2 K₂Cr₂O₇ + 8 H₂SO₄ → 3 CH₃COOH + 2 Cr₂(SO₄)₃ + 2 K₂SO₄ + 11 H₂O

This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:

3 C^-II - 12 e^- → 3 C^II (oxidation)

4 Cr^VI + 12 e^- → 4 Cr^III (reduction)

C₂H₅OH is a reducing agent, K₂Cr₂O₇ is an oxidizing agent.

Reactants:

C₂H₅OH – Ethanol
- Other names: Absolute alcohol , Alcohol , Cologne spirit
- Appearance: Colorless liquid ; Colourless liquid with characteristic odour ; Clear, colorless liquid with a weak, ethereal, vinous odor.
K₂Cr₂O₇ – Potassium dichromate(VI)
- Other names: Potassium dichromate , Chromium potassium oxide , Dipotassium dichromium heptaoxide
- Appearance: Red-orange crystalline solid ; Orange-to-red crystals
H₂SO₄ – Sulfuric acid
- Other names: Oil of vitriol , Sulfuric acid, concentrated (> 51% and < 100%) , H2SO4
- Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid ; Odourless colourless oily hygroscopic liquid ; Colorless to dark-brown, oily, odorless liquid. [Note: Pure compound is a solid below 51°F. Often used in an aqueous solution.]

Products:

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.]
Cr₂(SO₄)₃ – Chromium(III) sulfate
- Other names: Basic chromium sulfate , Chromic sulfate
- Appearance: Reddish-brown crystals (anhydrous), purple crystals (hydrated)
K₂SO₄
- Names: Potassium sulfate , Potassium sulphate , Dipotassium sulfate
- Appearance: White solid ; Colourless-to-white crystals
H₂O – Water, oxidane
- Other names: Water (H2O) , Hydrogen hydroxide (HH or HOH) , Hydrogen oxide
- Appearance: White crystalline solid, almost colorless liquid with a hint of blue, colorless gas

3 C2H5OH + 2 K2Cr2O7 + 8 H2SO4 → 3 CH3COOH + 2 Cr2(SO4)3 + 2 K2SO4 + 11 H2O