I doubt that the reaction is as pure as you imply but the main product
should be ethanal. I believe the reaction is an example of the 'pinacol'
rearrangement.

Cheers

Alan

Alan Goodwin CChem FRSC
Institute of Education
Manchester Metropolitan University
799 Wilmslow Road
Manchester M20 2RR
United Kingdom

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>>> "shiyammy" <shiyammy@...> 06/10/07 7:17 AM >>>
in the ratio of 2 moles of the diol gives a mole of substance S and 2
moles of water. what is S, please?