Question

Explain the oxidation of ethene by cold,alkaline KMnO₄. Where does the H-O-H and [O] come from??


OXIDATION:
Ethene is oxidised with alkaline KMnO_4​ at room temperature.

$$\begin{gathered} H_{2}C=C{H}_2+H-O-H+\left[O\right]\to H_{2}C-C{H}_2 \\ || \\ OHOH \end{gathered}$$
Ethene Cold alkaline 1, 2- Ethanediol
KMnO_​4 solution
[oxidising agent]
(Ethylene glycol)
The purple colour of KMnO_​4 decolourises.

Answer 1

Dear student ,

When solution of KMnO₄ is added to ethene. Water and oxygen will react with ethene and forms ethylene glycol.

Regards