Properties of ethanol

Physical Properties

1. It is a colourless, volatile liquid with characteristic pleasant odour.
2. It has boiling point of 351 K. 

Chemical Properties

Following are the important chemical properties of ethanol.

1. Combustibility

Ethanol can easily burn in air to produce carbon dioxide and water.

2. Reaction with Na Metal

Ethanol Reacts With Sodium Metal To Produce Sodium Ethoxide And Hydrogen Gas

3. Dehydration of Ethanol

When ethanol is heated to 1600-1700C in the presence of sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) then a molecule of water is liberated and ethene is formed.

4. Oxidation of Ethanol

The oxidation of alcohol involves the formation of a carbon-oxygen bond. These reactions are also called degradation reactions because these reactions involve loss of hydrogen from ethanol. The oxidation process can be carried out by a number of reagents such as potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) or chromic anhydride (CrO₃).

1) Oxidation by Chromic Anhydride

By chromic anhydride ethanol is converted into ethanal.

2) Oxidation by Potassium Permanganate

Ethanol can be converted into ethanoic acid by oxidation of KMnO4 as follows:

Esterification

Ethanol reacts with carboxylic acids in the presence of conc. H₂SO₄ as catalyst to form sweet smelling substance called esters having general formula (RCOOR). This process is called esterification.

Test your understanding and answer these questions:

1. Give properties of ethanol.