Question

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

• A. Bromine in Carbon tetrachloride
• B. Ferric chloride
• C. Sodium hydroxide
• D. Sodium bicarbonate

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Ferric chloride

The explanation for the correct option:

(B) Ferric chloride

• Phenol reacts with a neutral ${\mathrm{FeCl}}_3$ 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 ${\mathrm{Br}}_2$ in ${\mathrm{CCl}}_4$to 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 ($\mathrm{NaOH}$) 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 (${\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3$).
• Hence, both the chemicals cannot be distinguished

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