[p29382]

I have tested mixing potassium permanganate, and ethanol. When I mixed them with warm 0.1M HCl and filtered the solution, I got a brown powder on the filter paper that I assume to be MnO₂ due to the reaction below, oxidizing the ethanol.

3CH₃CH₂OH(aq) + 4MnO₄^-(aq) + 4H⁺(aq)  -> 3CH₃COOH(aq) + 4MnO₂(s) + 5H₂O(l)

However, when I mixed KMnO₄ and CH₃CH₂OH with warm 0.1M NaOH, brown powder still formed on the filter paper. I am not sure whether or not the sodium or potassium ions have any effect.
What is the equation for KMnO₄ + CH₃CH₂OH under alkaline conditions?

[Aldebaran]

Generally if I want to convert to alkaline conditions I would work out the ionic equation for acid conditions then add sufficient OH ions to each side of the equation to eliminate the H⁺ ions. There may be other preferred ways but this method has usually worked for me.

[Aldebaran]

Bear in mind in this particular reaction you will be oxidising the alcohol to an acid and will have a base present.