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Question

Which of the following reagents can be used to distinguish between Phenol and Benzyl alcohol?


A

Bromine in Carbon tetrachloride

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B

Ferric chloride

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C

Sodium hydroxide

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D

Sodium bicarbonate

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Solution

The correct option is B

Ferric chloride


The explanation for the correct option:

(B) Ferric chloride

  • Phenol reacts with a neutral FeCl3 solution to give a violet color complex which is soluble in water.
  • Benzyl alcohol does not react with Ferric chloride solution.
  • Therefore, it can be used to distinguish between Phenol and Benzyl alcohol.

Hence, The correct option is (B) Ferric chloride.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

(A) Bromine in Carbon tetrachloride -

  • Phenol reacts with Br2 in CCl4to give o-bromophenol and p-bromophenol.
  • Benzyl alcohol dissolves in Bromine solution.
  • Hence, both the chemicals cannot be distinguished.

(C) Sodium hydroxide -

  • Phenol reacts with Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to give a colorless solution containing Sodium phenoxide.
  • It does not react with Benzyl alcohol.
  • Hence, both the chemicals cannot be distinguished.

(D) Sodium bicarbonate -

  • Phenol and Benzyl alcohol, both the compounds do not react with Sodium carbonate (NaHCO3).
  • Hence, both the chemicals cannot be distinguished

Therefore, The correct option is (B) Ferric chloride.


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