Question

List two tests for experimentally distinguishing between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid and describe how these tests are performed.

Answer 1

1. Reaction with sodium hydrogen carbonate – Alcohol has no reaction with sodium hydrogen carbonate ($NaHC{O}_3$) but in the case of carboxylic acid, it reacts with $NaHC{O}_3$ which gives $C{H}_{3}COONa$, $C{O}_2$ and $H_{2}O$. The reaction is evident as the carbon dioxide will turn the lime water milky.

2. On adding Na metal to alcohol, $H_2$ gas is released which is evident in the form of bubbles. Carboxylic acid does not show such reaction.