Describe two different test tube reactions to identify the following organic compounds: propanal and benzoic acid.

There are several different answers one could make and an exam question would just require one for each. 

1) Propanal - from the ending "al" this is an aldehyde.

        - Add Tollens' reagent. Positive result: Silver mirror formed.

        - Add Fehling's / Benedict Solution. Positive result: Red precipitate formed.

        - Acidified potassium dichromate. Positive result: Orange to green (due to oxidation). 

2) Benzoic acid - You probably have not come across this in the lab at school. Nevertheless from the name you can work out that it is a carboxylic acid. 

        - Add Sodium carbonate/ Sodium hydrogen carbonate. Positive result: Effervescence is observed. 

DD
Answered by Daniel D. Chemistry tutor

14787 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the 3 pieces of evidence that disprove Kekule's model of benzene.


How do I calculate rate coefficient units?


In terms of Electrostatic Forces, Suggest why the ‘Electron Affinity’ of Fluorine has a Negative value.


For the equilibrium reaction PCl5(g) (equilibrium arrow)-> PCl3(g) + Cl2(g) explain the effect of increasing the concentration of Chlorine gas using the equilibrium constant.


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