# Ethanol can be oxidised to ethanoic acid. Describe TWO different methods by which this oxidation can be carried out, and state the functional group present in ethanoic acid.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 4.5 Alcohols · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Microbial oxidation (by microorganisms/bacteria) converts ethanol to ethanoic acid
2. Reaction with potassium dichromate(VI) converts ethanol to ethanoic acid
3. Both methods are oxidation reactions (ethanol is oxidised in both cases)
4. The functional group in ethanoic acid is –COOH (carboxyl group)

## Key terms

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

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