Question

how would youndistinguish experimentally between an alcohol and a carboxlilic 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.

chem-X-4-q10a

Alcohols, on the other hand, do not react with carbonates and hydrogen carbonates.

Answer 2

to experimentally distinguish alcohol and carboxylic acid...

1) sodium carbonate test- sodium carbonate doesn't react with alcohol whereas it will show reaction with carboxylic acid

2) litmus test- the carboxylic acid will turn blue litmus red whereas alcohol shows no change in any litmus paper

3) reaction with metal- alcohol reacts with metals to form metal oxides whereas carboxylic acid will form metal salts of the acid

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