Question

How would we differentiate between ethano,ethanoic acid and soap solution using litmus paper and sodium metal

Answer 1

ethanoic acid reacts with sodium metal in the following way

ch3cooh+na_____ ch3coona+ h2o+co2
it turns blue litmus red being acidic in nature.

Answer 2

1) Using litmus papers➡ Ethanol :- Color of both of the litmus paper remains unchanged.➡ Ethanoic acid :- Blue litmus turns red as it is an acid.➡ Soap solution :- Red litmus turns blue as it is a base(2) By their reaction with sodium metal➡ Ethanol :- Sodium ethoxide will be formed with the evolution of hydrogen gas.i.e.,C H OH + Na(Dry) → C H ONa + H ↑➡ Ethanoic acid :- Sodium acetate will be formed with the evolution of hydrogen gas.i.e.,CH COOH + Na → CH COONa + H ↑➡ Soap solution :- As soaps are the sodium and potassium salts of fatty acids, So they react with Na metal rarely.