Question 1 Page 74 - Chapter 4 Class 10 - Carbon and its Compounds

Last updated at July 18, 2026 by

How would you distinguish experimentally between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid?

 

Answer:

If we react carboxylic acid with sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ), it will produce CO 2 gas which turns lime water milky . However, if we react to an alcohol with sodium carbonate, CO 2 gas will not be evolved and lime water will not turn milky.

REACTION OF ETHANOIC ACID WITH SODIUM CARBONATE - Teachoo.jpg

Mark A as carboxylic acid

Mark B as sodium carbonate  

ALSO show milky white color in co2 test tube (like this)

 

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