A simple chemical test can distinguish phenols from aliphatic alcohols. When an aqueous solution of — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
A simple chemical test can distinguish phenols from aliphatic alcohols. When an aqueous solution of phenol is treated with a few drops of neutral Iron(III) chloride ($FeCl_3$) solution, what is the expected visual observation?
Answer: C
💡 Solution & Explanation
The neutral $FeCl_3$ test is a characteristic diagnostic test for the phenolic $-OH$ group. Phenol reacts with $FeCl_3$ to form a highly coloured iron-phenol coordination complex, which visibly manifests as a distinct violet, purple, or blue-green colouration depending on the specific phenol derivative.
💬Ask on WhatsApp →
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes