Why is the conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid an oxidation reaction? Conversion of Ethanol to Ethanoic AcidThe conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid is an oxidation reaction because oxygen is added to the ethanol molecule.In this reaction, ethanol (C2H5OH) reacts with oxygen to form ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) and water.The addition of oxygen to the ethanol molecule increases its oxidation state, making it an oxidation reaction. Explore Entire Collection of Texcellency Books Download Your FREE Book Now “A good textbook is like a smart GPS — it doesn’t just give you the destination, it tells you every turn along the way, in simple language you actually understand.”