Question

The major product formed in the oxidation of acetylene by alkaline $KMn{O}_4$ is ________.

• A. Ethanol
• B. Acetic acid
• C. Formic acid
• D. Oxalic acid

Answer 1

The correct option is D Oxalic acid

Alkaline $KMn{O}_4$ acts as oxidising agent in alkaline medium.

On reaction with acetylene ($C_2{H}_2$) in hot (${25}^{o}C$) gives oxalic acid and in cold gives formic acid as:

In hot: $\underset{acetylene}{C_2{H}_2}+\underset{hot\left(25C\right)}{KMn{O}_4}\to \underset{oxalicacid}{HOOC-COOH}$

In cold:$\underset{acetylene}{C_2{H}_2}+\underset{cold}{KMn{O}_4}\to \underset{formicacid}{HCOOH}$

Pink colour of $KMn{O}_4$ is declorised

Therefore option D is the correct answer.