Oxidation of ethanol by chromic acid produces ethanoic acid, which is commonly known as acetic acid. ...

Oxidation of ethanol by chromic acid produces ethanoic acid, which is commonly known as acetic acid. In the course of the reaction, ethanol is first converted to acetaldehyde. Then, hydration of acetaldehyde produces X, which bears two hydroxyl groups. X reacts with the chromic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst to form Y. A base reacts with Y to produce acetic acid. Identify X and Y.
   
  a.
  X is propanal hydrate, and Y is ethyl chromate ester.
   
  b.
  X is formaldehyde hydrate, and Y is ethyl chromate ester.
   
  c.
  X is acetaldehyde hydrate, and Y is propyl chromate ester.
   
  d.
  X is acetaldehyde hydrate, and Y is ethyl chromate ester.