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

14888 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the position of chemical equilibrium and how can it change? (A-Level/high GCSE)


Define entropy and explain how the entropy of an ice cube could be increased.


Without calculation, predict (giving you reasoning) whether the entropy change for the following reaction will be significantly positive, significantly negative or approximately zero: MgO(s) + CO2 (g) --> MgCO3 (s)


Without a catalyst, an alkene will react with bromine while benzene will not. Why is this?


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