Question

Ethanol on complete oxidation gives:
A. ${\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}$ and water
B. Acetaldehyde
C. Acetic acid
D. Acetone

Answer 1

Hint: As alcohols are composed of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. So, they decompose on heating or oxidation to give those molecules back. One of the gases is involved in the greenhouse effect.

Complete Step by step solution:
The word combustion refers to the chemical process in which a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen to give off heat. The substance that is being burnt is called the fuel while the source of oxygen is called the oxidizer. The fuel can be solid liquid or gas. After the combustion is over, new products are created from the oxidizer and the fuel.
In case of the oxidation of ethanol, the carbon atoms are oxidized to form carbon dioxide and water and a huge amount of heat is also liberated. Due to the high amount of heat liberation, this reaction is also being looked upon as a source of fuel to run vehicles.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Notes: When ethanol is oxidized by a moderately strong oxidising agent, then it forms acetaldehyde, which is the primary product of oxidation. On being oxidized by a strong oxidising agent like potassium or sodium dichromate under acidic conditions and also by potassium permanganate also under acidic conditions, then acetic acid is formed.
In the process of combustion, the ethanol acts as the fuel while oxygen acts as the oxidizer. So the fuel is in the liquid state here, while the oxidizer is in the gaseous state.