Answer:

Introduction:
To distinguish between acetone and acetophenone, we can use a reagent that reacts differently with each compound. In this case, sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) can be used as a reagent to distinguish between acetone and acetophenone.

Reaction with Acetone:
When acetone reacts with sodium bisulfite, a reaction takes place to form a compound known as acetone bisulfite adduct. This adduct is a white crystalline solid.

Reaction with Acetophenone:
On the other hand, when acetophenone reacts with sodium bisulfite, it does not form a stable adduct. Instead, the reaction leads to the formation of a colorless solution.

Explanation:
When sodium bisulfite is added to a solution containing acetone, a white crystalline solid is formed. This solid is the acetone bisulfite adduct. It can be easily observed as a white precipitate or crystals in the solution.

However, when sodium bisulfite is added to a solution containing acetophenone, no precipitate or crystals are formed. The reaction leads to the formation of a colorless solution.

Therefore, by adding sodium bisulfite to separate solutions of acetone and acetophenone, we can observe a distinct difference in the reaction products. The formation of a white precipitate or crystals indicates the presence of acetone, while the absence of any precipitate or crystals indicates the presence of acetophenone.

Conclusion:
Sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) can be used as a reagent to distinguish between acetone and acetophenone. The reaction with sodium bisulfite forms a white precipitate or crystals in the presence of acetone, while no precipitate or crystals are formed in the presence of acetophenone.