JEE Main · 2011 · 10 Apr 2011 · Offline · Alcohols Phenols and Ethers

Which of the following reagents may be used to distinguish between phenol and benzoic acid ?

(A)Tollen's reagent
(B)Molisch reagent
(C)Neutral $FeCl_{3}$ ✓ Correct
(D)Aqueous NaOH

Answer: (C)

Solution

Neutral

FeC l_{3}

separates the two: phenol gives a violet colouration from its iron-phenoxide complex, while benzoic acid does not. Tollens' reagent tests for aldehydes, Molisch's for carbohydrates, and aqueous

NaOH

dissolves both phenol and benzoic acid since both are acidic, so only neutral ferric chloride tells them apart.

JEE Main · 2011 · 10 Apr 2011 · Offline · Single correct option

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