Question

You have three unlabelled test tubes containing ethanol, ethanoic acid and soap solution. Explain the method you would use to identify the compounds in different test tubes by chemical tests using litmus paper and sodium metal.

Answer 1

Distinction between ethanol, ethanoic acid and soap solution

• Blue litmus paper turns red when it comes in contact with acid. So, ethanoic acid will turn the blue litmus paper red.
• Red litmus paper turns blue when it comes in contact with base. So, the soap solution will turn the red litmus paper blue.
• When ethanol is reacted with sodium metal, it gives bubbles of hydrogen gas that burns with pop sound.