Preparation of alkanoic acid in the laboratory ?

Alkanoic acids can be prepared in the laboratory through various methods, but one common method is the oxidation of primary alcohols or aldehydes. Here is a general procedure for the preparation of alkanoic acid from a primary alcohol:

Materials:
- Primary alcohol (e.g. ethanol)
- Oxidizing agent (e.g. potassium permanganate, chromic acid)
- Acidified potassium dichromate solution
- Distillation apparatus
- Separatory funnel
- Sodium carbonate solution
- Water
- Organic solvent (e.g. ether)

Procedure:
1. Mix the primary alcohol with the oxidizing agent in a reaction flask. The specific oxidizing agent and conditions may vary depending on the alcohol being used.
2. Heat the mixture under reflux for a period of time, stirring occasionally.
3. After the reaction is complete, cool the mixture and transfer it to a separatory funnel.
4. Add water to the separatory funnel and shake to extract the alkanoic acid into the aqueous layer.
5. Separate the aqueous layer containing the alkanoic acid from the organic layer.
6. Add sodium carbonate solution to the aqueous layer to neutralize any remaining acid.
7. Extract the alkanoic acid from the aqueous layer using an organic solvent such as ether.
8. Dry the organic layer with anhydrous sodium sulfate.
9. Distill the organic layer to isolate the pure alkanoic acid.

It is important to note that the specific conditions and reagents used may vary depending on the starting material and desired product. Additionally, proper safety precautions should be taken when working with chemicals in the laboratory.