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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: THIPPESWAMY S on March 18, 2013, 11:58:58 AM

Title: Alcohol catches fire
Post by: THIPPESWAMY S on March 18, 2013, 11:58:58 AM

I had this question for several days. How does alcohol catches fire or whats the chemical reaction during burning. Since on oxidation it yields aldehyde and carboxylic acid, i felt it was not sensible to just state it undergoes oxidation
 

Title: Re: Alcohol catches fire
Post by: discodermolide on March 18, 2013, 12:05:28 PM

Ask yourself this: What is the difference between combustion (burning) and chemical oxidation? Both are I suppose can be classified as oxidations but there is a great difference, what is it?