Question

list two tests for experimentally distinguishing between alcohol and a carboxylic acid and describe how these tests are performed. plzzzz....... somebody answer this question . { one of my board exam question}

Answer 1

1.litmus test :alcohol does not have any affect on litmus paper so it is neutral whereas carboxylic acid turns blue to red as it is acidic in nature.
2.carboxylic acid releases carbon dioxide gas whereas alcohol releases hydrogen gas.
3.alcohol has a pleasant smell whereas carboxylic acid has smell of vinegar.

Answer 2

1.Test with 3NaHco3 solution in water.
On adding carboxylic acid to baking soda , carbon dioxide is liberated with brisk effervescence
on adding a solution of baking soda to alcohol no brisk effervescence.
2.test with litmus paper
Carboxylic acid turn blue to red.
alcohol show no affect on litmus paper.