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

CBSE Class 10 CBSE Class 10 Science
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List two tests for experimentally distinguishing between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid and describe how these tests are performed.

Answer:

  1. Test with NaHC03 solution in water.
    On adding carboxylic acid to baking soda, carbon dioxide is liberated with brisk effervescence. On adding a solution of baking soda to alcohol, no brisk effervescence occurs.
  2. Test with blue litmus solution.
    Carboxylic acid turns blue litmus red.
    There is no change in colour when a blue litmus solution is added to alcohol.