What’s the equation for the oxidation of ethanol?

The oxidation of ethanol (C2H5OH) can occur in two stages, producing either an aldehyde (ethanal) or a carboxylic acid (ethanoic acid).

1. The first stage is the partial oxidation of ethanol to ethanal (acetaldehyde):

C2H5OH + [O] → CH3CHO + H2O

In this equation, [O] represents the oxygen atom that is added during the oxidation process.

2. The second stage is the further oxidation of ethanal to ethanoic acid (acetic acid):

CH3CHO + [O] → CH3COOH

Again, [O] represents the oxygen atom that is added during the oxidation process.

So, the overall equation for the complete oxidation of ethanol to ethanoic acid is:

C2H5OH + 2[O] → CH3COOH + H2O