Grade 1210 grade science

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

Pawan Prajapati

5 Years agoGrade 12

1 Answer

Harshit Singh

5 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