Question

Two aromatic compounds having formula $C_7{H}_{8}O$ which are easily identifiable by $FeC{l}_3$ solution test (violet colouration) are

• A. $o$-cresol and benzyl alcohol
• B. $m$-cresol and $p$-cresol
• C. $o$-cresol and $p$-cresol
• D. methyl phenyl ether and benzyl alcohol

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$o-,m$ - and $p$ - cresol all contain phenolic group, thus they give violet colouration with $FeC{l}_3$ whereas benzylalcohol and methyl phenyl ether donot contain phenolic group, hence give no colouration with $FeC{l}_3$. Hence the pair of compounds which are identifiable by $FeC{l}_3$ is o-cresol and benzyl alcohol.