CH₃CH₂OH CH₃COOH

In the above given reaction, alkaline KMnO₄ acts as

Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH), when heated in presence of strong oxidizing agent Potassium Permanganate (KMnO₄), gives Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH).

Here, KMnO₄ is an oxidizing agent because it provides nascent oxygen [O] for the oxidation.

An oxidation reaction is a reaction in which the oxidation state of a compound increases. It is also defined as loss of electrons. Also, oxidation is the addition of oxygen. KMnO₄ is a strong oxidizing agent and is often used for oxidation of organic compounds.