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Incomplete oxidation of ethanol yields

Incomplete oxidation of ethanol yields
Take Free Practice Test On 2026 JAMB UTME, Post UTME, WAEC SSCE, GCE, NECO SSCE
  • A CH3COOH
  • B CH3COCH3
  • C CH3CH2OCH2CH3
  • D CH2CHO
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation:
C2H5OH → CH3CHO → CH3COOH
Ethanol.....oxidation Ethanal........Ethanoic Acid
Primary alcohol oxidises to aldehyde and later to carboxylic acid.
Secondary alcohol oxidises to ketones.
Ethanol is an example of primary alcohol and primary alcohol can be oxidised to aldehyde and carboxylic acid. Wherein, incomplete oxidation of primary alcohol yields aldehyde also known as alkanal while complete oxidation of primary alcohol yields carboxylic acid.

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