Incomplete oxidation of ethanol yields?

A. CH3COOH
B. CH3COCH3
C. CH3CH2OCH2CH3
D. CH2CHO

Correct Answer:

Option D – CH2CHO

Explanation

C2H5OH → CH3CHO → CH3COOH

Ethanol…..oxidation Ethanal……..Ethanoic Acid
Primary alcohol oxidizes to aldehyde and later to carboxylic acid.
Secondary alcohol oxidizes to ketones.
Ethanol is an example of primary alcohol and primary alcohol can be oxidized to aldehyde and carboxylic acid. Wherein, incomplete oxidation of primary alcohol yields aldehyde also known as alkanal while complete oxidation of primary alcohol yields carboxylic acid.