Bcz periodic acid acts on 1, 2 diol bond and oxidise them in oxalic acid...

Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) can be oxidized to form oxalic acid (C2H2O4). This transformation can be achieved using various oxidizing agents. Below are the details of the oxidizing agents and their effectiveness:
1. Acidified K2Cr2O7
- Acidified potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) is a strong oxidizing agent.
- In acidic conditions, it effectively oxidizes ethylene glycol to oxalic acid.
- The chromium (VI) in K2Cr2O7 is reduced to chromium (III) during the reaction.
2. Acidified KMnO4
- Acidified potassium permanganate (KMnO4) is another potent oxidizing agent.
- Similar to K2Cr2O7, it oxidizes ethylene glycol to oxalic acid in acidic medium.
- The manganese (VII) in KMnO4 is reduced to manganese (II), facilitating the oxidation process.
3. Alkaline KMnO4
- Alkaline potassium permanganate can also oxidize ethylene glycol, but the reaction mechanism differs.
- In alkaline conditions, it typically leads to the formation of glycolic acid rather than oxalic acid.
- Further oxidation may be required to obtain oxalic acid.
4. Periodic Acid
- Periodic acid (HIO4) is a strong oxidizing agent that can oxidize ethylene glycol to oxalic acid.
- The reaction involves cleavage of the C-C bond in ethylene glycol, leading to the formation of oxalic acid.
- Periodic acid is particularly effective in cleaving vicinal diols like ethylene glycol.
Conclusion
In summary, ethylene glycol can be oxidized to oxalic acid using various oxidizing agents such as acidified K2Cr2O7, acidified KMnO4, and periodic acid. Alkaline KMnO4 may not directly yield oxalic acid but can produce intermediates that can be further oxidized.