Question

Unknown alcohol or phenol was tested in the lab. When chromic acid was added, it turned from orange to green. When FeCl3 was added to a separate portion of the unknown, it turned purple. What can you say about the structure of this unknown?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The compound is phenol . When phenol reacts with FeCl₃ , it forms complex with purple colour .

FeC₃ + C₆H₅OH ------> Fe(C₆H₅O)₆ + 3H⁺ + HCl

When phenol reacts with chromic acid , it is oxidised to 1,4 benzoquinone or simply quinone. Colour of solution changes from orange to green.