Question

Distinguish between the given pair of compounds using the test given within bracket:

Ethane and ethene (using alkaline potassium permanganate solution).

Distinguish between ethane and ethene (using alkaline potassium permanganate solution).

Answer 1

Test: Add alkaline potassium permanganate solution (KMnO₄) to both compounds.

Ethene: The purple colour of KMnO₄ is decolourised because ethene is unsaturated.

Ethane: There is no change in colour because ethane is saturated.

Hence, alkaline KMnO₄ can be used to distinguish ethene from ethane.