Write four chemical properties of ethanol.

The chemical properties are:

(1) It is very combustible liquid. It burns rapidly with blue flame and produces carbon dioxide and water.

C₂H₅OH + 3O₂ 2CO₂ + 3H₂O

(2) Ethanol reacts with sodium metal then sodium ethoxide and dihydrogen gas are produced.

2C₂H₅OH + 2Na 2C₂H₅ONa + H₂

(3) Ethanol on reaction with acetic acid in presence of acid gives ethyl acetate which has a fruity smell. This reaction is called esterification.

CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O

(4) Acetic acid is formed by oxidation of ethanol.

CH₃CH₂OH CH₃COOH