In the reaction `C_2H_5OH overset(KMnO_4)(to) CH_3COOH, KMnO_4` acts as

Options

A. dehydrating agent
B. reducing agent
C. oxidising agent
D. bleaching agent

Answer

To determine how KMnO4 acts in the given reaction \( C_2H_5OH \overset{KMnO_4}{\rightarrow} CH_3COOH \), we will analyze the changes in the oxidation states of the carbon atoms in the reactants and products.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactants and Products**:
- The reactant is ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH).
- The product is ethanoic acid (CH3COOH).

2. **Determine the Oxidation State of Carbon in Ethyl Alcohol**:
- For C2H5OH, let's denote the oxidation state of carbon as \( x \).
- The formula for calculating the oxidation state is:
\[ 2x + 6(1) + (-2) = 0 \]
Here, 6 is the contribution from 5 hydrogens (5×1) and -2 from one oxygen.
- Simplifying this gives:
\[ 2x + 6 - 2 = 0 \implies 2x + 4 = 0 \implies 2x = -4 \implies x = -2 \]
- Therefore, the oxidation state of carbon in C2H5OH is -2.

3. **Determine the Oxidation State of Carbon in Ethanoic Acid**:
- For CH3COOH, we again denote the oxidation state of carbon as \( y \).
- The formula for calculating the oxidation state is:
\[ 2y + 4(1) + 2(-2) = 0 \]
Here, 4 is from 4 hydrogens (4×1) and 2 from two oxygens (2×-2).
- Simplifying this gives:
\[ 2y + 4 - 4 = 0 \implies 2y = 0 \implies y = 0 \]
- Therefore, the oxidation state of carbon in CH3COOH is 0.

4. **Compare the Oxidation States**:
- The oxidation state of carbon increased from -2 in ethyl alcohol to 0 in ethanoic acid.
- An increase in oxidation state indicates that oxidation has occurred.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since KMnO4 is facilitating the increase in oxidation state of carbon, it is acting as an oxidizing agent in this reaction.

### Final Answer:
KMnO4 acts as an **oxidizing agent** in the reaction \( C_2H_5OH \overset{KMnO_4}{\rightarrow} CH_3COOH \).

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