AIIMS2014Chemistry-Reagents and their Applications
AIIMS 2014 Chemistry Reagents and their Applications MCQ Question
Type: MCQ-conceptual-Medium-Class 12
Which of the following reagents may be used to distinguish between phenol and benzoic acid?
A
Neutral FeCl₃
B
Aqueous NaOH
C
Tollen’s reagent
D
Molisch reagent
Correct Answer
Option B
Detailed Explanation
The correct answer is A) Neutral FeCl₃ because it selectively forms a colored complex with phenol due to the presence of its hydroxyl group, while benzoic acid does not react in the same way. This ability to form a colored complex allows for the visual differentiation between phenol and benzoic acid, making FeCl₃ a suitable reagent for this distinction.
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