Methanol is used to produce methanoic acid. What type of substance reacts with methanol to produce methanoic acid?
How to approach this question
The question describes the conversion of an alcohol (methanol) into a carboxylic acid (methanoic acid). Recall the name of the type of reaction that does this, and therefore the type of substance required.
Full Answer
An oxidising agent
The conversion of a primary alcohol, like methanol (CH₃OH), into a carboxylic acid, like methanoic acid (HCOOH), is an oxidation reaction. This reaction requires an **oxidising agent**. An oxidising agent is a substance that provides oxygen or removes electrons in a chemical reaction. Common oxidising agents used for this process in a lab are acidified potassium dichromate(VI) or potassium manganate(VII).
Common mistakes
✗ Naming a specific oxidising agent (e.g., potassium dichromate) is correct but "oxidising agent" is the general type.
✗ Suggesting a reducing agent, which does the opposite.
✗ Suggesting an acid or alkali, which would cause a different type of reaction.
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