Ethanol

Ethanol is a simple hydrocarbon of the formula C₂H₅OH. Ethanol is a form of primary alcohol. This is then can be oxidised to carboxylic acid by refluxing it with an acid H⁺ and potassium dichromate. Ethanol can also be oxidised to ethanal through partial oxidation. This achieved by adding excess alcohol and by distilling off the aldehyde as it forms.

3CH₃CH₂OH + Cr₂O₇^2- + 8H⁺ → 3CH₃CHO + 2Cr³⁺ + 7H₂O