Question detail
Which test-tube reaction can be used to identify an alcohol?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Organic analysis
Question
- A. Reaction with potassium dichromate
- B. Reaction with bromine water
- C. Reaction with sodium bicarbonate
- D. Reaction with silver nitrate
Answer
Reaction with potassium dichromate
Explanation
The reaction of alcohols with potassium dichromate results in a color change from orange to green, indicating the presence of an alcohol. This is a key test for identifying alcohols in organic analysis.
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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