What is oxidation of ethene in organic chemistry?
Oxidation of ethene or ethylene is an important chemical reaction in organic chemistry. Because, on oxidation of ethene produces ethylene oxide which is very important synthetic reagent.
There are different methods for oxidation of ethene. The various methods for oxidation of ethene are discussed below individually.
Oxidation of ethene by oxygen to ethylene oxide or epoxide
Oxidation of ethene takes place in presence of oxygen by using silver catalyst at 300ᵒC temperature. The resulting product is known as epoxy alkane or epoxide.
Oxidation of ethene to acetaldehyde by Wacker process
Again in the presence of air, when ethylene gas is passed through a slightly acidic PdCl2 solution mixed with CuCl2, ethylene is oxidized by oxygen in the air and converted to acetaldehyde.
This process for the preparation of acetaldehyde from ethene is called Wacker process.
Oxidation of ethene to ethylene glycol by KMnO4
The oxidation of ethene can also happen in presence of alkaline KMnO4. It is very important method. Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent.
There are two types of oxidation of ethene may occurs in alkaline KMnO4 depending on the reaction condition.
Oxidation of ethene by cool dilute alkaline KMnO4 solution
Ethylene is easily oxidized by cool dilute alkaline KMnO4 solution to produce ethane-1, 2-diol or ethylene glycol. KMnO4 reduces itself into MnO2.
Oxidation of ethene by warm and concentrated alkaline KMnO4 solution
When ethylene is heated by warm and concentrated alkaline KMnO4, the C = C bond of ethylene is broken. This results in the break down of ethylene to produce formic acid.
The producing formic acid is further re-oxidized by KMnO4 to produce carbon dioxide and water.
Besides these, oxidation of ethene or ethylene may also happen by using per acids, such per benzoic acid, peroxytrifluoroacetic acid etc. Although, per acids is used for oxidation of higher alkene.
Ethylene Oxide Reactions In Organic Chemistry
Ethylene oxide is also known as oxiran. It is very important organic synthetic reagent. A lot of ethylene oxide reactions are found in organic synthesis.
For example, ethylene oxide reactions with water, amine, ammonia, Grignard reagent, alcohol, hydrogen bromide, HCl, HCN etc are known. Some ethylene oxide reactions are shown below.
Ethylene oxide reaction with Grignard reagent
Ethylene oxide reaction with Grignard reagent followed hydrolysis produce primary alcohol with high molecular weight.
Ethylene oxide reaction with water
Reaction of ethylene oxide with water gives ethylene glycol. The reaction takes place in presence of hydrochloric acid.
Ethylene oxide reaction with alcohol
When ethylene oxide reacts with alcohol then it form alkoxy alcohol. For example, with methanol ethylene oxide produce 2-methoxy ethanol.
Ethylene oxide reaction with ammonia
When ethylene oxide reacts with ammonia then it form amino alcohol. For example, with ammonia ethylene oxide produce 2-amino ethanol.
Ethylene oxide reaction with hydrogen bromide
When ethylene oxide reacts with hydrogen bromide then it form bromo alcohol. For example, with hydrogen bromide ethylene oxide produce 2-bromo ethanol.
