[evin90]

Hi All,

I have a question for a balanced equation that I am not certain about.  It is the reaction of dichromate with ethanol to produce ethanal. 

The unbalanced equation is as follows...

__H⁺ + __Cr₂O₇ +__C₂H₅OH  __Cr³⁺ + __C₂H₄O + __H₂O

I went ahead and balanced this equation as follows

10H⁺ + Cr₂O₇ +2C₂H₅OH  2Cr³⁺ + 2C₂H₄O + 7H₂O

I am pretty certain of my balancing ability, but the answer has been shown as follows...

8H⁺ + Cr₂O₇ +3C₂H₅OH  2Cr³⁺ + 3C₂H₄O + 7H₂O

I can assume that those smarter than me are right, but I want to know why it is so.  Does it have to do with oxidation reduction reaction that might be occurring?  To my knowledge both seem to follow the conservation of matter, just in different ways. 

My apologies for any format mistakes, this is the first time using your forums. 

Cheers!

[Borek]

Neither is correct - the charge is not conserved.

Plus, dichromate is not Cr₂O₇, but Cr₂O₇^2- (which would make the answer given correct).