Distinguishing Tests
Asked by Sarvajit Shankaracharya · 1 year ago
What are the key chemical tests to distinguish between alcohols, phenols, and ethers?
1 Answer
Key tests to distinguish these compounds:
1. Alcohols:
- React with sodium to produce hydrogen gas
- Undergo oxidation with acidified K2Cr2O7 (turns green)
2. Phenols:
- Give purple color with FeCl3 solution
- React with bromine water to form white precipitate
3. Ethers:
- Generally unreactive to most tests
- Can be distinguished by their lack of reaction to the above tests
1. Alcohols:
- React with sodium to produce hydrogen gas
- Undergo oxidation with acidified K2Cr2O7 (turns green)
2. Phenols:
- Give purple color with FeCl3 solution
- React with bromine water to form white precipitate
3. Ethers:
- Generally unreactive to most tests
- Can be distinguished by their lack of reaction to the above tests
NEET Faculty · 1 year ago
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