Stuck on chemistry practical again?!

So for this experiment we did a pH test, test for carbonates and a sulphate test.
The question then asks "Discuss another observation that you made that indicated that an oxidation was occurring?"
But i don't understand as we did no other tests, other than smell test which doesn't seem accurate enough.

Reply 1

EierVonSatan

Going to have to guess this one :p:

Were you using any transition metal complexes? Some of these change colour slowly in air due to oxidation.

Reply 2

Katelinm

Posted from TSR Mobile

We were testing oxidation of ethanol (probably should've mentioned that in the original post) so no metals involved

Reply 3

alow

Original post by Katelinm

Posted from TSR Mobile

We were testing oxidation of ethanol (probably should've mentioned that in the original post) so no metals involved

Ethanoic acid smells like vinegar. Ethanal smells fruity. Ethanol smells like vodka.

Reply 4

charco

Study Forum Helper

Original post by Katelinm

Posted from TSR Mobile

We were testing oxidation of ethanol (probably should've mentioned that in the original post) so no metals involved

If you were oxidising ethanol you most likely were using potassium dichromate(VI) in acidic solution.

When it behaves as an oxidising agent it turns from orange to green...