Distinguish Experimentally between ethanol and ethanoic acid?

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Answer

Hello Anuj,

Difference between Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid :

【】Ethanol has the molecular formula C2H5OH, while ethanoic acid has the molecular formula C2H4O2.

【】Ethanol has an ethyl group while ethanoic acid has a methyl group.

【】Ethanoic acid is a carboxylic acid; this is not the case for ethanol.

【】Ethanol has a hydroxyl group while ethanoic acid has a carboxyl group.

【】Ethanol in a pure state is basic, while ethanoic acid is acidic.

Thanks for asking the question, keep learning.

Answer

Distinguishing Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid Experimentally

Ethanol and ethanoic acid are both organic compounds with similar chemical formulas but different properties. To distinguish between these two substances experimentally, we can employ several techniques and tests. Here are some methods that can be used:

1. Odor Test:

- Ethanol has a characteristic sweet and pleasant smell, similar to alcoholic beverages.
- Ethanoic acid, on the other hand, has a strong and pungent vinegar-like smell.

2. pH Test:

- Ethanol is neutral and does not affect the pH of a solution.
- Ethanoic acid is acidic and will lower the pH of a solution, turning it acidic.

3. Litmus Paper Test:

- Dip a blue litmus paper into the substance being tested.
- Ethanol will not change the color of the litmus paper.
- Ethanoic acid will turn the blue litmus paper red, indicating its acidic nature.

4. Sodium Carbonate Test:

- Add a small amount of sodium carbonate powder to the substance being tested in a test tube.
- Ethanol will not produce any observable reaction.
- Ethanoic acid will react with sodium carbonate, producing effervescence (bubbling) due to the release of carbon dioxide gas.

5. Combustion Test:

- Take a small amount of the substance and ignite it with a flame.
- Ethanol will burn with a clean blue flame, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
- Ethanoic acid will also burn with a blue flame but may produce some soot or black residue due to impurities.

6. Esterification Test:

- Mix the substance with concentrated sulfuric acid in a test tube.
- Heat the mixture gently.
- Ethanol will not react with sulfuric acid.
- Ethanoic acid will react with sulfuric acid, forming an ester with a fruity smell.

By conducting these tests, it is possible to distinguish between ethanol and ethanoic acid based on their distinct properties and behaviors under different experimental conditions.

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