Consider the following list of chemical tests: (i) Neutral test, (ii) Iodoform test, (iii) Bromine w — Practical Organic Chemistry and Purification Chemistry Question
Question
Consider the following list of chemical tests: (i) Neutral $FeCl_3$ test, (ii) Iodoform test, (iii) Bromine water test, (iv) Sodium metal test, (v) Phthalein dye test, (vi) $NaHCO_3$ test. How many of these tests can be successfully used to distinguish between Ethanol and Phenol?
💡 Solution & Explanation
(i) Neutral $FeCl_3$: Phenol gives violet complex, ethanol does not. (ii) Iodoform: Ethanol gives yellow $CHI_3$ ppt, phenol does not. (iii) Bromine water: Phenol gives white ppt of 2,4,6-tribromophenol, ethanol does not. (iv) Sodium metal: Both evolve $H_2$ gas (fails to distinguish). (v) Phthalein dye: Phenol reacts with phthalic anhydride to form phenolphthalein, ethanol does not. (vi) $NaHCO_3$: Neither is acidic enough to liberate $CO_2$ (fails to distinguish). Total valid distinguishing tests = 4.