List two tests for experimentally distinguishing between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid and describe how these tests are performed
Carbon Compounds (10)List two tests for experimentally distinguishing between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid and describe how these tests are performed.
Answer
Test 1 (Litmus Test)
Take two strips of blue litmus paper. Place a drop each of the alcohol and carboxylic acid on these strips separately. The blue litmus paper turns red in the case of carboxylic acid and remains unaffected in the case of alcohol.
Test 2 (Sodium hydrogen carbonate test / sodium carbonate test)
A pinch of sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium carbonate is added, to both separately. If brisk effervescence with the evolution of a colorless gas is observed, it indicates the presence of carboxylic acid.
If no change is observed then it confirms the presence of the alcohol.
Test 3 - Ester test
Exam Year:
2015
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