An organic compound A has the molecular formula C₂H₆O. On oxidation in air in presence of heated copper as catalyst, it is oxidised to CH₃COOH. What is the compound ‘A?
Give the equation for the reaction.

The compound A’ on oxidation gives acetic acid, CH₃COOH. Now, acid is obtained by the oxidation of an alcohol or an aldehyde, so compound A should be an alcohol (ethyl alcohol) or an acetaldehyde because its molecule contains two carbon atoms. Ethyl alcohol is CH₃CH₂OH or C₂H₆O and acetaldehyde is CH₃CHO or C₂H₄O. Thus, compound A’ cannot be an acetaldehyde and is ethyl alcohol only.

CH₃CH₂OH

\to_{Heated Copper}^{Air [O]}

CH₃COOH.

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An organic compound A has the molecular formula C₂H₆O. On oxidation in air in presence of heated copper as catalyst, it is oxidised to CH₃COOH. What is the compound ‘A?
Give the equation for the reaction.