. Name the oxidising agent used for the conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid. Distinguish between

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Ans.  Acidified K₂Cr₂0₇ can be used as oxidising agent for the conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid.

(i)  Litmus  test:

a. If an organic compound (to be tested)  does not change the colour of either of the litmus  solution  (blue  or  red)  then  the  organic  compound is neutral  in  nature. Ethanol is a neutral compound.

b. When some blue litmus solution is added to the organic compound (to be tested), if the blue litmus solution turns red; it shows that the organic compound is acidic and hence it is ethanoic acid.

(ii)  Reaction with sodium carbonate:

a. When the organic compound (to be tested) is taken in a test tube and a pinch of sodium  carbonate  is added  to it if no reaction occurs in the reaction mixture, it is ethanol.

b. When the organic compound (to be tested)  is taken in a test tube and a pinch of sodium   carbonate   is  added   to  it;  evolution   of  carbon   dioxide   with   brisk effervescence shows  that the given organic compound is ethanoic acid.