How will you distinguish experimentally between an Alcohol and Carboxylic acid?

Question

Answer

(i) Take 2 test tubes label them A and B.(ii)Take  about 0.5g of sodium hydrogencarbonate ( NaHCo3) in each test tube.(iii)Add 2 ml of ethanol in test tube A and 2ml of ethanoic acid in test tube B.(iv)We can observe the gas bubbles in test tube B .No such bubbles are seen in test tube A.Pass the gas produced in test tube B through lime  water were taken another test tube.(v)We will find that lime turns milky .It is a  test for carbon dioxidehence this experiment proves that when ethanoic acid reacts with sodium hydrogencarbonate then carbon dioxide gas is produced with an rapid evolution of gas bubbles.Ethanol does not react with NaHCO3.

Answer

We could check this experimentally by testing both of them with litmus paper

Answer

Distinguishing between Alcohol and Carboxylic Acid Experimentally:

1. Testing with Sodium Bicarbonate:
When alcohols and carboxylic acids react with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), they produce different products. Carboxylic acids will react with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas, which can be observed as effervescence. Alcohols, on the other hand, will not undergo this reaction.

2. Odor Test:
Carboxylic acids have a strong, pungent odor, while alcohols have a characteristic alcoholic smell. By smelling the compound, one can often distinguish between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid based on their distinct odors.

3. Testing with Litmus Paper:
Another way to differentiate between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid is by using litmus paper. Carboxylic acids are acidic in nature and will turn blue litmus paper red, indicating their acidic properties. Alcohols, being neutral compounds, will not have any effect on the litmus paper.

4. Reaction with Metal:
Carboxylic acids can react with metals, such as sodium or magnesium, to produce hydrogen gas. This can be used as a test to differentiate between carboxylic acids and alcohols, as alcohols do not react with metals in the same way.
By performing these experimental tests, one can effectively distinguish between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid based on their chemical properties and reactions.

Similar Class 10 Doubts

List two tests to experimentally distinguish between an alcohol and carboxylic acid and describe how these tests are performed ?

How to distinguish between alcohol and carboxylic acid?

You are given a strong and a weak acid give three different methods you will use to distinguish between them? ?

Distinguish Experimentally between ethanol and ethanoic acid?

How will you distinguish between a convex and a concave lens on the basis of nature of image formed? justify your answer?

Top Courses for Class 10View all

Science Class 10

Social Studies (SST) Class 10

Mathematics (Maths) Class 10

English Grammar Advanced

English Grammar Basic

Top Courses for Class 10

Top Courses for Class 10

Suggested Free Tests

Related Content

About Class 10

Class 10 Study Material

Class 10 All Subjects

NCERT Textbook Solutions

Other Classes

Important Links

Company