Differentiation between phenol and ethanol by chemical reaction

How to chemically distinguish between phenol and ethanol?

Phenol and ethanol are common organic compounds, although their molecular structure is similar, but there are significant differences in chemical properties and reactions. In order to distinguish the two, chemical reaction is one of the most intuitive and effective methods. This article will discuss how to distinguish phenol and ethanol through chemical reaction, and analyze their characteristics in detail.

Phenol and ethanol structural differences

Phenol (C≡H∞OH) and ethanol (C₂ H∞OH) have obvious differences in molecular structure. In the phenol molecule, the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the benzene ring, while the ethanol molecule is an alcohol compound composed of an ethyl group (C₂ H₂) and a hydroxyl group (-OH). This structural difference leads to their different behavior in chemical reactions. Therefore, it is feasible to distinguish phenol and ethanol through chemical reactions.

PHENOL AND ETHANOL ACIDITY DIFFERENCES

Phenol and ethanol are very different in acidity. Phenol is highly acidic and can release hydrogen ions in aqueous solution to form phenoxide ions (C≡H∞O∩). In contrast, ethanol is weakly acidic and hardly reacts with hydrogen ions in water. Therefore, phenol can react with a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce sodium phenoxide (C≡H∞ONa), while ethanol does not react in a similar way. This reaction can be used as an effective means to distinguish between phenol and ethanol.

Using potassium permanganate to distinguish phenol and ethanol

Another commonly used method is the use of potassium permanganate (KMnOOhx) for the oxidation reaction. Phenol is more easily oxidized than ethanol. When potassium permanganate solution oxidizes phenol, the color changes, the product is usually benzoquinone or other oxidation products, and the purple color of the solution will fade. In contrast, ethanol does not react significantly with potassium permanganate at room temperature, or it is oxidized only at higher temperatures to produce products such as acetic acid. Therefore, the difference in the reaction between phenol and ethanol in potassium permanganate solution is also an important basis for distinguishing the two.

Phenols and Alcohols Ferricyanide Reaction

Phenol and ethanol can also be distinguished by reaction with ferricyanide. Phenol can react with ferric chloride (FeCl3) solution to form a dark blue or purple complex, which is typical of phenol. The reaction of ethanol with ferric chloride solution is very weak or non-reactive. This reaction is widely used in laboratories for the rapid detection of phenol.

Summary: how to through the chemical reaction to distinguish between phenol and ethanol?

The distinction between phenol and ethanol by chemical reaction can mainly rely on their different behavior in acidity, oxidation reaction and reaction with ferricyanide. Phenol is highly acidic and can react with sodium hydroxide to form sodium phenoxide, and can react with potassium permanganate and ferric chloride solution. Ethanol, on the other hand, is relatively stable and does not easily participate in these reactions. Through these chemical reactions, scientists and chemical experimenters can easily distinguish between phenol and ethanol.