Question

Distinguish between salicylic acid and oxalic acid

Answer 1

oxalic acid is (COOH)2 and salicylic acid is different thing

Answer 2

SALYCILIC ACID AND OXALIC ACID CAN BE DISTINGUISHED BY BURNING IN OXYGEN.

Explanation:

• The aromatic rings when heated in presence of oxygen, a sooty flame is observed.
• When aliphatic compounds are heated, a sooty flame is not observed.
• Salicylic acid is an aromatic acid whereas oxalic acid is an aliphatic carboxylic acid.
• Burning of salicylic acid gives sooty flame whereas oxalic acid will not give a sooty flame.
• Therefore, to distinguish between salicylic acid and oxalic acid, we will burn them in oxygen.