Ethanol can be oxidised by heating with potassium dichromate(VI) in dilute sulfuric acid

2 marks · Normal

State the reagents and conditions required to oxidise ethanol to ethanoic acid in the laboratory.

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Potassium dichromate(VI) in dilute sulfuric acid; heat (or warm in a water bath).

Also accept: Acidified potassium dichromate(VI) and heat.; Potassium dichromate(VI) and dilute H2SO4, heat.

Common mistakes: Omitting heat.; Just giving potassium dichromate(VI) without mentioning acid.

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · Names potassium dichromate(VI) and dilute sulfuric acid (or acidified potassium dichromate(VI)).

B2 · 1 mark · States the need to heat (or warm in water bath).

Worked solution

The reagents are potassium dichromate(VI) in dilute sulfuric acid. The mixture must be heated (usually in a water bath).