Question

List two chemical properties on the basis of which ethanol and ethanoic acid may be differentiated and explain how

Answer 1

$\bold{To \: distinguish \: ethanol \: and \: ethanoic \: acid}$

◼Adding sodium bicarbonate

Ethanoic acid also known as acetic acid , is an weak acid and shows almost all properties of acids.So, if an bicarbonate salt is added to it , it liberated carbondioxide.

If sodium bicarbonate is is added to Ethanol it doesnt react with ethanoic acid.

$2CH_3COOH + Na_2CO_3 \longrightarrow 2CH_3COONa + H_2O + CO_2$

${C_2H_5OH+ Na_2CO_3\longrightarrow No \: reaction}$

◼Litmus test.

If a moist blue litmus is brought in contact with ethanoic acid , the litmus turns red , because of its acidic properties.While no change is seen when brought in contact with ethanol.