Question

Phenol and carboxylic acid how we distinguish it

Answer 1

Phenols and carboxylic acids can be easily distinguished by the sodium bicarbonate test. Sodium bicarbonate is a weak base that readily reacts with carboxylic acids but not with phenols (Carboxylic acids are stronger acids than phenols, so they can easily react with a mild base such as NaHCO3). Carboxylic acids on reaction with a saturated solution of NaHCO3 will form sodium salt of carboxylic acid with the evolution of CO2 gas. Phenols on the other hand do not give this reaction.

RCOOH + NaHCO3 → RCOONa + CO 2+ H2 O

Example : CH3 COOH + NaHCO3 → CH3 COONa + CO2 + H 2O

                 C H3 OH + NaHCO3 → no reaction

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