Question

how would you distinguish experimentally between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid

Answer 1

We can distinguish between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid on the basis of their reaction with carbonates and hydrogen carbonates. Acid reacts with carbonate and hydrogen carbonate to evolve CO2 gas that turns lime water milky.

Answer 2

We can distinguish b/w an alcohol and carboxylic acid on the basis of their reaction with carbonate nd hydrogen carbonates. Acid reacts with carbonate nd hydrogen carbonate to evolve Co2 that turns lime water milky....

Metal carbonate /hydrogen carbonate +carboxylic acid...

Salt +water+carbon dioxide

Alcohol on the other hand, do not react with carbonates nd hydrogen carbonates...