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How will you distinguish: (i) Methyl alcohol from ethyl alcohol. (ii) Ethyl alcohol from chloroform.

How will you distinguish:


(i) Methyl alcohol from ethyl alcohol.


(ii) Ethyl alcohol from chloroform.

Grade:11

2 Answers

askIITIians Expert
21 Points
15 years ago

Solution:

(i)                  Tests

Methyl alcohol

Ethyl alcohol

1.       Iodoform test

 

 

On heating with I2 and NaOH

No yellow compound is formed

Yellow compound with characteristic odour is formed

2.       Oil of winter green test

 

 

On heating with salicylic acid and conc. H2SO4

Gives characteristic odour of oil of winter green.

Does not give odour of oil of winter green.

3.       Easter test

 

 

On heating with glacial acetic and conc. H2SO4

Forms methyl acetate with characteristic odour.

Forms ethyl acetate which has fruity odour.

 

 

 

(ii)                Tests

Ethyl alcohol

Chloroform

1.       Iodoform test

 

 

On heating with I2 and NaOH

Yellow compound with characteristic odour is formed

Does not give the test.

2.       Isocyanide test

 

 

On heating with aniline and alcoholic KOH

No reaction

Forms phenyl isocyanide which has a characteristic bad odour.

3.       Solubility test

It is soluble in water.

It is insoluble in water.

 

 

 

 

Kushagra Madhukar
askIITians Faculty 628 Points
4 years ago
Dear student,
 
There are various tests to distinguish between Methyl and Ethyl alcohol.
Refer to the above answer for a detailed explanation.
 
THanks and regards,
Kushagra

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