Guest

How would you distinguish experimentally between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid?

How would you distinguish experimentally between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid?

Grade:12

1 Answers

Harshit Singh
askIITians Faculty 5963 Points
3 years ago
Dear Student

(a) Acid test: Reaction with carbonates/hydrogen carbonates.
Take samples of alcohol and carboxylic acid in 2 test tubes, and add sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate solution to each. The compound which will produce brisk effervescence of CO2gas will be acid.
(b) Alcohol test: Take small amount of ethanol and ethanoic acid in test tube A and B. Add 5% solution of alkaline potassium permanganate drop by drop to this solution and warm the test tube.
The colour of potassium permanganate will disappear in test tube containing alcohol.

Thanks

Think You Can Provide A Better Answer ?

ASK QUESTION

Get your questions answered by the expert for free