Moderate

Ethanol and methanol can be distinguished by a__________________?

Correct answer: A. Iodoform test

  • A. Iodoform test
  • B. Lucas test
  • C. Benedicts test
  • D. Tollens test

Explanation

Ethanol gives the iodoform test because it is oxidised to ethanal, which contains the required CH3CO group, and produces yellow iodoform; methanol does not. Lucas testing distinguishes alcohol classes by reaction rate, not specifically ethanol from methanol, so Lucas test is the likely distractor.

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About Alcohols

Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group attached to a saturated carbon atom and are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary. Their nomenclature, hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation, dehydration, reaction with sodium and conversion to haloalkanes are covered, along with the distinction between alcohols and phenols, where the hydroxyl group is attached directly to an aromatic ring.

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