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 () solution, what is the expected v

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?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. The neutral test is a characteristic diagnostic test for the phenolic group. Phenol reacts with 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.

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