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Alcohols, Phenols And Ethers

Question
CBSEENCH12008303

Use simple chemical test to differentiate between the following pairs of organic compounds:
(i) 2, 4, 6-trinitro phenol and 2, 4, 6-tri methyl phenol.

(ii) Anisole and benzyl alcohol.

Solution
(i) Addition of NaHCO3 gives brisk effervescence with more acidic 2,4.6-trinitro phenol and not with much less acidic 2, 4, 6-tri methyl phenol.
(ii) Benzyl alcohol C6H5CH3OH is a primary alcohol. Addition of acidic-warm KMnOwill oxidise the benzyl alcohol and the purple colour will disappear. The anisole, an ether resists this oxidation.