Question

Reshu by mistake forgot to label the two test tubes containing Ethanol and Ethanoic acid. Suggest an experiment to identify the substances correctly? Illustrate the reactions with the help of chemical equations.

Answer 1

By reaction with sodium carbonate/ bi carbonate 1M with the samples, ethanol will not react whereas ethanoic acid gives brisk effervescence.

\[\ce{2CH3COOH + Na2 CO3 -> 2CH3COONa +H2O + CO2}\]

OR

\[\ce{CH3COOH + NaHCO3 -> CH3COONa + H2O + CO2}\]