Question

Phenol can be distinguished from ethanol by the reactions with ___
(a) $B{r}_2$ /water
(b) Na
(c) neutral $FeC{I}_3$
(d) Both a and c

Answer 1

Ethanol does not react with $B{r}_2$/water while phenol gives 2, 4, 6-tribromophenol as white precipitate.

Ethanol and phenol both react with sodium, so phenol cannot be distinguished from ethanol by the reaction with sodium.
Ethanol does not give any reaction with neutral $FeC{l}_3$ solution while phenol gives purple, blue or red colour when treated with neutral $FeC{I}_3$.
Therefore, correct options are (a) and (c).