Describe how you could distinguish between ethanol, ethanoic acid, ethyl bromide and 2-methylpropan-1-ol.

First, you should add sodium hydrogen carbonate to all three compounds. Ethanoic acid will react with this to release a gas which will turn limewater cloudy.
Second, you should add acidified potassium dichromate. With ethanol, because it is a primary alcohol, the orange solution will turn to green. With 2-methylpropan-1-ol there will be no colour change because it is a tertiary alcohol.
Finally, the distinguish which solution is ethyl bromide you should add silver nitrate. A cream precipitate will be formed.

EW
Answered by Emma W. Chemistry tutor

6164 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why longer chain alkanes have a higher boiling point than shorter chains.


An alcohol, X has an Mr of 74 and percentage composition of 64.9% Carbon, 13.5% Hydrogen and 21.6% Oxygen. It does not turn potassium dichromate (VI) green. Determine the structural formula of X, and state its name.


Please give the definition of Le Chatilier's principle. Use this to explain what would happen if you increased the temperature of an equilibrium in which the forwards reaction is exothermic.


Describe the difference in melting points for the elements Sodium and Magnesium


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning