How would you distinguish experimentally between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid ?
How would you distinguish experimentally between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid ?
We can distinguish between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid on the basis of their reaction with carbonates and hydrogen carbonates. Acid reacts with carbonate and hydrogen carbonate to evolve $CO_2$ gas that turns lime water milky.
Metal Carbonate $/$ Metal Hydrogencarbonate $+$ Carboxylic acid
$\downarrow$
Salt $+$ Water $+$ Carbon dioxide
Alcohols, on the other hand, do not react with carbonates and hydrogen carbonates.
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