# Butan-1-ol (C₄H₉OH) is an alcohol that can be oxidised. Explain how butan-1-ol can be oxidised in the laboratory, name the type of compound produced, and explain why vinegar contains a compound from the same type as the oxidation product of ethanol.

> Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0) — 6.5 Alcohols and oxidation · Explain · 5 marks

> Alcohols can be oxidised both in the laboratory and by microorganisms. Ethanol is the alcohol found in alcoholic drinks. When wine is left open to the air, it turns sour over time.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Acidified potassium dichromate(VI) (or acidified potassium manganate(VII)) is used as the oxidising agent
2. The mixture is heated / refluxed to carry out the oxidation
3. The product formed is a carboxylic acid (butanoic acid)
4. Bacteria / microorganisms oxidise ethanol in wine (when exposed to air / oxygen)
5. Ethanoic acid is produced, which is a carboxylic acid and is the compound that makes vinegar sour / acidic

## Key terms

- [oxidation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/oxidation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/butan-1-ol-c-h-oh-is-an-alcohol-that-a89f0883) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.