Question detail
Which of the following equations represents the complete combustion of ethanol?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Alcohols
Question
- A. C2H5OH + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O
- B. C2H5OH + O2 → 2CO + 3H2O
- C. C2H5OH + 2O2 → 2CO2 + 2H2O
- D. C2H5OH + 2O2 → 2CO2 + H2O
Answer
C2H5OH + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O
Explanation
The complete combustion of ethanol (C2H5OH) produces carbon dioxide and water, and the balanced equation is C2H5OH + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O.
Common mistake
Testing for Alcohols
Students often confuse the test for alcohols with the test for aldehydes, leading to incorrect conclusions about the presence of functional groups.
To correctly test for alcohols, use the appropriate reagent, such as sodium dichromate in dilute sulfuric acid, which will oxidize primary and secondary alcohols, changing color from orange to green. Ensure to write the balanced equation for the reaction: C2H5OH + [O] → CH3COOH + H2O. This shows the oxidation of ethanol to acetic acid.
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