3 C2H5OH + K2Cr2O7 + 4 H2SO4 → 3 CH3CHO + Cr2(SO4)3 + ...

This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:

3C-II-9e-→3CI(oxidation)

3C-II+3e-→3C-III(reduction)

2CrVI+6e-→2CrIII(reduction)

C2H5OH is a reducing agent, C2H5OH is an oxidizing agent, K2Cr2O7 is an oxidizing agent.

Reactants:

• C2H5OH – Ethanol
  • Other names: Absolute alcohol , Alcohol , Cologne spirit ... show moreDrinking alcohol , Ethylic alcohol , EtOH , Ethyl alcohol , Ethyl hydrate , Ethyl hydroxide , Ethylol , Grain alcohol , Hydroxyethane , Methylcarbinol , Ethanol (anhydrous) , C2H5OH , 1-hydroxyethane , Lux , Spirits of wine , Infinity Pure , Tecsol C , Punctilious ethyl alcohol , Hinetoless , Absolute ethyl alcohol , Ethyl alc , Ethyl alcohol usp , Denatured alcohol , Fermentation alcohol , Distilled spirits , Cologne spirits , Anhydrol , Potato alcohol , Alcohols , Ethyl alcohol anhydrous , Ethanol solution , Thanol , Denatured ethanol , Pyro , Spirt , Anhydrous alcohol , Alcare Hand Degermer , Ethanol 200 proof , Jaysol , Molasses alcohol , Ethicap , Desinfektol EL , Absolute ethanol , Jaysol S , Algrain , Spirit , Synasol , Diluted Alcohol , Undenatured Ethanol , Dehydrated alcohol , Tecsol , E1510 , Alcohol anhydrous , Alcool éthylique , Alcohol etílico , Alcohol, denatured , Alcohol (ethyl) , Ethyl Alcohol , Äthylalkohol , Alkohol , Spiritus vini , Éthanol , Äthanol , Alcohol denatured , 1-Hydroxyethane , Etanol , Dehydrated ethanol , Methyl carbinol show less
  • Appearance: Colorless liquid ; Colourless liquid with characteristic odour ; Clear, colorless liquid with a weak, ethereal, vinous odor.
• K2Cr2O7 – Potassium dichromate(VI)
  • Other names: Potassium dichromate , Chromium potassium oxide , Dipotassium dichromium heptaoxide ... show moreDipotassium dichromate , Dipotassium bichromate , Dichromic acid dipotassium salt , Dipotassium dichromate (VI) , Dichromic acid, dipotassium salt , Potassium bichromate show less
  • Appearance: Red-orange crystalline solid ; Orange-to-red crystals
• H2SO4 – Sulfuric acid
  • Other names: Oil of vitriol , Sulfuric acid, concentrated (> 51% and < 100%) , H2SO4 ... show moreSulphuric acid , Battery acid , Hydrogen sulfate , [SO2(OH)2] , [S(OH)2O2] , Sulfuric acid (aqueous) show less
  • Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid ; Odourless colourless oily hygroscopic liquid ; Colorless to dark-brown, oily, odorless liquid. [Note: Pure compound is a solid below 51°F. Often used in an aqueous solution.]

Products:

• CH3CHO – Acetaldehyde , Ethanal
  • Other names: Acetic aldehyde , Ethyl aldehyde , Acetylaldehyde , NSC 7594
  • Appearance: Colourless liquid ; Gas or colourless liquid with pungent odour ; Colorless liquid or gas (above 69°F) with a pungent, fruity odor.
• Cr2(SO4)3 – Chromium(III) sulfate
  • Other names: Basic chromium sulfate , Chromic sulfate
  • Appearance: Reddish-brown crystals (anhydrous), purple crystals (hydrated)
• K2SO4
  • Names: Potassium sulfate , Potassium sulphate , Dipotassium sulfate ... show moreKaliumsulfat , K2SO4 , Sulfuric acid dipotassium salt show less
  • Appearance: White solid ; Colourless-to-white crystals
• H2O – Water, oxidane
  • Other names: Water (H2O) , Hydrogen hydroxide (HH or HOH) , Hydrogen oxide ... show moreDihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) (systematic name) , Hydrogen monoxide , Dihydrogen oxide , Hydric acid , Hydrohydroxic acid , Hydroxic acid , Hydrol , Μ-oxido dihydrogen , Κ1-hydroxyl hydrogen(0) show less
  • Appearance: White crystalline solid, almost colorless liquid with a hint of blue, colorless gas