Question

Describe a chemical test to differentiate ethanol and ethanoic acid.

a) Use litmus paper and observe the color change.
b) Perform a distillation to separate the components.
c) Add sodium carbonate and observe the effervescence.
d) Use Benedict's solution and observe the color change.

Answer 1

A chemical test to differentiate between ethanol and ethanoic acid can be performed using litmus paper. Ethanol is a neutral substance, so it will not cause any color change in litmus paper. Ethanoic acid, on the other hand, is acidic, and it will turn blue litmus paper red.

Step-by-step explanation:

A chemical test to differentiate between ethanol and ethanoic acid can be performed using litmus paper. Ethanol is a neutral substance, so it will not cause any color change in litmus paper. Ethanoic acid, on the other hand, is acidic, and it will turn blue litmus paper red.

Therefore, by observing the color change in litmus paper after coming into contact with the substance, you can differentiate between ethanol and ethanoic acid.

Keywords: chemical test, differentiate, ethanol, ethanoic acid, litmus paper, color change