Phenol and Ethanol

Phenol and ethanol are two different types of organic compounds. Phenol is an aromatic compound with the formula C6H5OH, while ethanol is an alcohol with the formula C2H5OH. They have different physical and chemical properties, which can be used to distinguish between them.

Reactions with Br2/Water

The reaction of Br2/water with phenol and ethanol can be used to distinguish between them. Phenol reacts with Br2/water to form a white precipitate of 2,4,6-tribromophenol, while ethanol does not react with Br2/water. This is because phenol has a hydroxyl group attached to the benzene ring, which makes it more reactive than ethanol.

Reactions with Na

The reaction of Na with phenol and ethanol can also be used to distinguish between them. Sodium reacts violently with ethanol to form sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas, while it does not react with phenol. This is because phenol is more acidic than ethanol, and the hydrogen ion in the hydroxyl group of phenol is more strongly bound to the oxygen atom, making it less reactive than the hydrogen ion in ethanol.

Reactions with Neutral FeCl3

The reaction of neutral FeCl3 with phenol and ethanol can also be used to distinguish between them. Phenol reacts with FeCl3 to form a violet coloration, while ethanol does not react with FeCl3. This is because phenol is a weak acid and can donate a hydrogen ion to FeCl3, forming a complex with the iron ion. Ethanol, on the other hand, does not have an acidic hydrogen and therefore cannot react with FeCl3.

Conclusion

Therefore, option D is the correct answer as both reactions with Br2/water and neutral FeCl3 can be used to distinguish between phenol and ethanol.