Question

How do you convert ethane to ethanoic acid? (with equation please).

Answer 1

First you chlorinate it in presence of light.
C2H6 + Cl2 ---hv -> C2H5Cl + HCl
Then you add aqeuos KOH to get C2H5OH
C2H5Cl+KOH-> C2H5OH+ KCl.
Then you add KMnO4 to get the rquired compound.
C2H5OH ----KMnO4 ---> CH3COOH.

Answer 2

Well theres also some one step oxidation with some big catalyst at a high temperature that i've heard off but i don't know :)

Answer 3

shakvee one doubt we are said that to convert alkane to acid first we do oxidation so we get alcohol then again oxidation then we get aldehyde/ketone den again on oxidation we get acid rit? if it is then u didnt prepare aldehyde or ketone here??

Answer 4

Actually the KMnO4 step covers both. Its a strong oxidizing agent, first it oxidizees it to aldehyde but then since it is strong it oxidizes aldehyde again. It is not possible to control the reaction and stop it at aldehyde so you would always get carboxylic acid.

Answer 5

So you can convert ethane to ethanoic acid directly by using KMnO4? (In two or one single step?)

Answer 6

No ethane can't be oxidized directly, you first need ethanol which can be oxidized. (This can be obtained from the steps i have already posted.)

Answer 7

Ah. That way. Thanks.