Question

Give a chemical test to distinguish between propanal and propanone.

Answer 1

HELLO DEAR,



This can be distinguished by the idoform test.

$\bold{Iodoform\; test.}$ propanone (CH3COCH3) contains the grouping linked —COCH3 to carbon and hence when warmed with sodium hypoiodite (NaOI), i.e. I2/NaOH , it gives yellow PPT. of Iodoform in contrast, propanol does not contain the grouping CH3CHOH— (attached to either H or C) and hence does not respond to Iodoform test.



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THANKS

Answer 2

The Iodoform test is one of the best chemical tests to distinguish between propanal and propanone.

During the iodoform test, the aldehydes and ketones will have at least one methyl group attached to the carbonyl carbon atom.

When they get oxidized using the sodium hypoiodite, iodoforms are produced.

As Propanone is a methyl ketone, it responds to this test. But, propanal doesn't give any response.