Describe how you could distinguish between ethanol, ethanoic acid, ethyl bromide and 2-methylpropan-1-ol.

First, you should add sodium hydrogen carbonate to all three compounds. Ethanoic acid will react with this to release a gas which will turn limewater cloudy.
Second, you should add acidified potassium dichromate. With ethanol, because it is a primary alcohol, the orange solution will turn to green. With 2-methylpropan-1-ol there will be no colour change because it is a tertiary alcohol.
Finally, the distinguish which solution is ethyl bromide you should add silver nitrate. A cream precipitate will be formed.

EW
Answered by Emma W. Chemistry tutor

6377 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Palladium acts as a heterogeneous catalyst in the reaction between an alkene with hydrogen by providing an alternative reaction route. Describe the stages of this reaction route. (3 marks)


Define the term 'first ionisation energy' and explain why the first ionisation energy shows a general increase across period 2


Explain how a catalyst can effect the rate of a forward and reverse reaction.


State the qualitative tests to distinguish between halide ions in solution.


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