Question

How can we chemically distinguish between ethanol and diethyl ether?

Answer 1

1. Reaction with sodium metal

Ethanol will liberate hydrogen gas but

diethylether will not.

CH3CH2OH + Na---> CH3CH2ONa + 1/2 H2

CH3-O-CH3 + Na---> No reaction

2. Reaction with iodoform

Ethanol will give yellow precipitate but diethyl ether will not.

CH3CH2OH+6NaOH+4I2-->CHI3+ HCOONa + 5NaI + 5H2O

CH3-O-CH3 + 6NaOH+ 4I2--> no reaction

hope it helps you..