Q. Which of the following reagents may be used to distinguish between phenol and benzoic acid?
A) Aqueous NaOH
B) Tollen’s reagent
C) Molisch reagent
D) Neutral $FeCl_{3}$
Explanation
(d)
[table] | Reagent | Phenol | Benzoic acid | Conclusion ; A | Aqueous NaOH | Salt formation | Salt formation | No specific colour change ; B | Neutural $FeCl_{3}$ | Violet colour | Buff-coloured
precipitate | Thus, $FeCl_{3}$ can be used to make distinction [/table]
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.