When ethanol ($\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_3\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{OH}$) is oxidized with alkaline potassium permanganate ($\mathrm{KMn}{\mathrm{O}}_4$), what is the major product? State its common name and its IUPAC name.

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify the functional group: ethanol is a primary alcohol.
2. Alkaline $\mathrm{KMn}{\mathrm{O}}_4$ oxidizes primary alcohols first to aldehydes and then further to carboxylic acids under the reaction conditions.
3. Write the intermediate aldehyde: $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_3\mathrm{CHO}$ (acetaldehyde).
4. Since the oxidizing medium is strong and alkaline, the aldehyde is not isolated; it is further oxidized to $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_3\mathrm{COOH}$.
5. Thus the major product is the carboxylic acid $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_3\mathrm{COOH}$, whose common name is acetic acid and IUPAC name is ethanoic acid.

Concept tested: Oxidation of primary alcohols

Published 6 September 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked