what could be observed on adding a 5% alkaline potassium permagnate solution drop by drop to some warm ethanol in a test tube. write the name of the compound formed during the reaction and the chemical equation of the reaction taking place.
Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) is a very strong oxidant able to convert primary alcohols to carboxylic acids. Normally these oxidations are performed under strong alkaline conditions using 1N NaOH or KOH solution, because this promotes a greater oxidation speed and selectivity.
When ethanol reacts with 5% alkaline KMnO4 solution, it gives ethanoic acid as a product. It is explained by following reaction: