Hi All,
I have a question for a balanced equation that I am not certain about. It is the reaction of dichromate with ethanol to produce ethanal.
The unbalanced equation is as follows...
__H
+ + __Cr
2O
7 +__C
2H
5OH
![right arrow :rarrow:](https://www.chemicalforums.com/Smileys/classic/rarrow.png)
__Cr
3+ + __C
2H
4O + __H
2O
I went ahead and balanced this equation as follows
10H
+ + Cr
2O
7 +2C
2H
5OH
![right arrow :rarrow:](https://www.chemicalforums.com/Smileys/classic/rarrow.png)
2Cr
3+ + 2C
2H
4O + 7H
2O
I am pretty certain of my balancing ability, but the answer has been shown as follows...
8H
+ + Cr
2O
7 +3C
2H
5OH
![right arrow :rarrow:](https://www.chemicalforums.com/Smileys/classic/rarrow.png)
2Cr
3+ + 3C
2H
4O + 7H
2O
I can assume that those smarter than me are right, but I want to know why it is so. Does it have to do with oxidation reduction reaction that might be occurring? To my knowledge both seem to follow the conservation of matter, just in different ways.
My apologies for any format mistakes, this is the first time using your forums.
Cheers!