Ethanol

Ethanol is a simple hydrocarbon of the molecular formula C₂H₅OH. Ethanol is a form of primary alcohol. This can, then, 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 is achieved by adding excess alcohol and by distilling off the aldehyde as it forms. Ethanol is used commonly as a solvent and is used in, both, the perfume and paint industry. It is also used to dissolve a wide range of water-insoluble medications.

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