What chemical tests are appropriate to identify Butanoic acid, Propanal and 2-methyl propan-2-ol?

Firstly, to identify butanoic acid, adding a small amount of NaHCO3 or any metal carbonates would allow effervescence tobe produced. The effervescence produced is CO2 . To make sure the gas is CO2, simply bubble the gas through limewater and if it goes cloudy, it indicates that the gas is CO2.and a carboxylic acid group is present. Secondly, to test for propanal, add Tollen's Reagent to the sample and the result will be that a silver mirror is produced. Indicates that an aldehyde group is present. Finally, to test for 2- methyl propan-2-ol, heat the sample under reflux with acidified potassium dichromate. Here, there will be no colour change and hence will remain orange. This will show that the sample is a tertiary alcohol.

AI
Answered by Athena I. Chemistry tutor

12966 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

An iron-alloy nail (2.41g) is dissolved in 100cm3 acid. 10cm3 portions of this solution are titrated with KMnO4 (0.02M) and 9.80cm3 of KMnO4 was needed to react with iron solution. What % of iron by mass is in the nail?


Why does ice float on water?


Deduce which of Na+ and Mg2+ is the smaller ion. Explain your answer.


What is a disproportionation reaction?


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