Question detail
Describe a test-tube reaction that can be used to identify an alcohol. What observation would indicate the presence of an alcohol?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Organic analysis
Question
Describe a test-tube reaction that can be used to identify an alcohol. What observation would indicate the presence of an alcohol?
Answer
To identify an alcohol, you can use the reaction with sodium metal. When sodium is added to an alcohol, hydrogen gas is produced, which can be observed as bubbles forming. Additionally, the reaction may produce heat.
Explanation
This answer is strong because it clearly states the specific test for alcohols and the observable reaction that confirms their presence. It tests the student's understanding of practical organic chemistry techniques.
Common mistake
Identifying Functional Groups
Students often confuse the test-tube reactions for alcohols and aldehydes, leading to incorrect identification.
To correctly identify functional groups, remember that alcohols react with acidified potassium dichromate to produce a color change from orange to green, while aldehydes also react but may produce a different observable change when tested with Tollens' reagent, forming a silver mirror.
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