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

6112 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Potassium Chlorate(VII) decomposes to produce Potassium Chloride and Oxygen. Using the following data calculate the enthalpy change of this decomposition: Enthalpy of formation(KClO4) = -430 kJ mol-1, Enthalpy of formation(KCl) = -440 kJ mol-1


Define the standard enthalpy of formation


Give the two reactions required in order to convert an alcohol into a hydroxynitrile. Include reactants and conditions. (6 marks)


Please can you explain E/Z isomers?


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