RP5 - oxidation

Method to prepare ethanal by oxidation of ethanol and distillation

Set up Liebig condenser, round bottom flask and thermometer

Using a measuring cylinder measure acidified dichromate and pour in round bottom flask. Then cool in ice cold water in a beaker

Measure ethanol with measuring cylinder

Using a pipette add ethanol dropwise over 5 minutes to oxidising agent in cooled flask

swirl flask occasionally

Add anti bumping granules to round bottom flask and attach to set up

add test tube to ice cold beaker

Heat flask and distil into test tube - keep it cool to avoid loss of ethanal

Place bung in test tube

Why does water go in from the bottom?

against gravity for efficient cooling of vapour

Why add anti bumping granules?

to prevent vigorous uneven boiling by making small bubbles to form instead of large bubbles

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