Distinguishing between organic compounds Organic substances can look the same – you must be able to distinguish between common compounds by comparing their properties and performing simple tests. 12 Chemistry 2.2 organic chemistry CR 07
Common compounds Alcohols, carboxylic acids, alkanes, alkenes, esters - all colourless liquids! How could you distinguish between them?? 12 Chemistry 2.2 organic chemistry CR 07
Alcohols, carboxylic acids, alkanes, alkenes, esters Questions you could ask: Is it flammable? Is it miscible with water? Does it react with an oxidant? Does it react with halogens? Does it smell? Does it behave as an acid? 12 Chemistry 2.2 organic chemistry CR 07
Alcohols, carboxylic acids, alkanes, alkenes, esters Mix with water Miscible Not miscible - 2 layers Alcohol (short chain) Carboxylic acid Alkane Alkene Ester 12 Chemistry 2.2 organic chemistry CR 07
Alcohols, carboxylic acids, alkanes, alkenes, esters Add magnesium Reaction No reaction Carboxylic acid Fizzing and litmus will go pink Alkane Alkene Ester Alcohol 12 Chemistry 2.2 organic chemistry CR 07
Alcohols, carboxylic acids, alkanes, alkenes, esters Add Br2 Reaction orange No reaction Alkane slow –requires UV light Alkene fast – no catalyst required Carboxylic acid Ester Alcohol clear 12 Chemistry 2.2 organic chemistry CR 07
Alcohols, carboxylic acids, alkanes, alkenes, esters Add Cr2O72-/H+ Reaction orange green No reaction Alcohol for primary alcohols Carboxylic acid Ester Alkene Alkane 12 Chemistry 2.2 organic chemistry CR 07
Alcohols, carboxylic acids, alkanes, alkenes, esters Carefully smell Fruity smell Not fruity Ester * Carboxylic acid may smell unpleasant Carboxylic acid Alkene Alkane Alcohol 12 Chemistry 2.2 organic chemistry CR 07
Alcohols, carboxylic acids, alkanes, alkenes, esters Carefully ignite – not necessary as other tests will identify them flammable Not flammable Ester volatile Alkene sooty orange flame Alkane clean burning Alcohol clean burning Carboxylic acid 12 Chemistry 2.2 organic chemistry CR 07