# Ethanol can be used as a fuel and is also found in alcoholic drinks. However, ethanol is toxic to the human body. Describe the oxidation of ethanol and explain why the products formed are harmful to health.

> WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 4.3 Alcohols and phenols · Describe and Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Ethanol is oxidised to ethanal (acetaldehyde)
2. Ethanal is further oxidised to ethanoic acid
3. Ethanal is toxic / responsible for hangover symptoms / damages cells
4. Ethanoic acid lowers the pH of the blood / causes acidosis / disrupts body chemistry
5. The liver is responsible for the oxidation of ethanol / the liver can be damaged by repeated oxidation of ethanol

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and 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/ethanol-can-be-used-as-a-8578b97c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.