Which reagent distinguishes phenol from ethanol by forming a violet color?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Neutral iron(III) chloride solution ()
- Step 1: Phenol reacts with neutral iron(III) chloride () solution to form an intensely colored violet iron-phenolate coordination complex.
- Step 2: Ethanol does not form this complex and shows no color change with neutral .
Answer
Neutral iron(III) chloride solution (FeCl_3).
Why not the others: 'Dilute sodium hydroxide' reacts with phenol but produces a colorless solution; 'Acidified potassium permanganate' oxidizes ethanol (decolorizing purple permanganate) but is not the specific violet color test; 'Sodium metal' reacts with both alcohols and phenols liberating hydrogen gas.
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