Question

How can we distinguish between
1) benzyl chloride and chloro benzene
2) chloroform and tetrachloride

Answer 1

1) Chlorobenzene and Benzyl chloride Take both the compounds in a test tube. Add 1 - 2 ml of aqueous KOH to each of the test tubes. Acidify with dilute HNO3 and add AgNO3. Benzyl chloride gives white precipitate while chlorobenzene does not. 2) Chloroform and Carbon tetrachloride Chloroform on warming with alcoholic KOH and aniline will give foul smell of isocyanide; whereas, Carbon tetrachloride will not show any change.