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  4. How many of the following reagents can be used to distinguish between alcohols and phenols?

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Q. How many of the following reagents can be used to distinguish between alcohols and phenols?Chemistry Question Image

Alcohols Phenols and Ethers

Solution:

Alcohols and phenols can be distinguished by the following tests,
I. Reaction with ferric chloride: Phenols react with neutral ferric chloride solution to give blue, violet or green colouration whereas alcohols do not react.
II. Bromine water test: Phenols react with bromine water to give a white precipitate of $2,4,6$-tribromophenol while alcohols do not.
III. Coupling reaction: Phenols react with diazonium salts in basic solution to form yellow or orange coloured dyes but alcohols do not react.