How to Convert ethanal (acetaldehyde, CH₃CHO) to methanal (formaldehyde, HCHO)? Step-Step Process.
Iswori Education Unselected an answer July 8, 2024
To convert ethanal (acetaldehyde, CH₃CHO) to methanal (formaldehyde, HCHO), you can use the following method:
Oxidative Cleavage Using Periodic Acid (HIO₄)
- Reacting Ethanediol with Periodic Acid:
- Ethanal is first converted to 1,2-ethanediol (ethylene glycol, CH₂OH-CH₂OH) by a reduction process.
- The ethanediol is then cleaved using periodic acid (HIO₄) which selectively cleaves the vicinal diol (1,2-diol) into two aldehyde groups.
Step-by-Step Conversion:
- Reduction of Ethanal to Ethanediol:
- Ethanal can be reduced to 1,2-ethanediol using a reducing agent like sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) or catalytic hydrogenation. CH3CHO+H2→CH2OH−CH2OH
- Oxidative Cleavage of Ethanediol:
- The ethanediol is then treated with periodic acid (HIO₄), which cleaves the carbon-carbon bond between the two hydroxyl groups, yielding formaldehyde (HCHO). CH2OH−CH2OH+HIO4→2HCHO+HIO3
Note: Direct oxidation of ethanal (CH₃CHO) to methanal (HCHO) is not straightforward due to the need for selective oxidation without further oxidizing methanal to formic acid. The above method provides a feasible pathway to achieve the conversion.
Iswori Education Unselected an answer July 8, 2024
Answered: Conversation of ethanal to Methanal (HCHO)