A chemical test distinguishes phenol from aliphatic alcohols. Phenol gives a characteristic violet/p — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
A chemical test distinguishes phenol from aliphatic alcohols. Phenol gives a characteristic violet/purple colouration upon treatment with which of the following aqueous reagents?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
The neutral Iron(III) chloride ($FeCl_3$) test is a diagnostic test for the phenolic $-OH$ group. Phenol reacts with $FeCl_3$ to form a highly coloured coordination complex, manifesting as a violet/purple colour. Aliphatic alcohols do not give this test.
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