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

6467 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How many peaks would you expect from a Hydrogen NMR of Ethane?


What are geometrical isomers? Explain, structurally, why geometrical isomers exist.


What is an acid-base pair?


Explain why bromine reacts more readily with phenol than benzene


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