# Methanol (CH₃OH) is an alcohol that can be oxidised. Explain what happens when methanol undergoes oxidation, naming the product formed and describing how you could use acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution to show that oxidation has taken place.

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

> Methanol is the simplest alcohol. Like ethanol, it can undergo oxidation reactions. Acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution is orange in colour.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Oxidation involves the gain of oxygen (by the methanol / alcohol)
2. The product formed is methanoic acid (HCOOH)
3. Acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution is used as the oxidising agent
4. The acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution changes colour from orange to green
5. This colour change shows that the dichromate(VI) has been reduced, confirming that oxidation of methanol has occurred

## 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)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/methanol-ch-oh-is-an-alcohol-that-b1e5d518) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.