A simple chemical test can distinguish phenols from aliphatic alcohols. When an aqueous solution of — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 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.