Question

Ethanol and ethanoic acid can be differentiated on the basis of:
A. Melting point
B. Litmus paper test
C. Sodium bicarbonate
D. All of these

Answer 1

Hint: We need to analyse the difference between the given compounds based on their reactions to different environments. Ethanol and ethanoic acid are hydrocarbons where ethanol has an alcoholic group and ethanoic acid has a carboxyl group. These two hydrocarbons have the same number of carbons in their parent chain. Hence, we simply learn the difference between alcohol and carboxylic acid.

Complete step by step answer:
We must have to remember that the ethanol is an alcohol which is liquid at room temperature and has a very pleasant alcoholic odor. In contrast, ethanoic acid has a very strong vinegar like smell. We discuss each of the given options and how they react to both ethanol and ethanoic acid.
Melting point: Ethanol is a liquid at room temperature. However, Ethanoic acid has a melting point of $17^\circ C$ which is below room temperature and hence freezes during winters.
Litmus paper test: We analyse the change is the colour of a litmus paper when allowed to react with acid and alcohol. Litmus paper is used to differentiate between acids and bases only. Since ethanol is an alcohol, it does not change the colour of the litmus paper. On the other hand, ethanoic acid turns blue litmus to red by producing hydrogen ions.
Sodium bicarbonate: ethanol and ethanoic acid act differently to metal carbonates. When ethanol is allowed to react with sodium bicarbonate, there is no reaction taking place. But when ethanoic acid is reacted with sodium bicarbonate, it produces salt, water and carbon dioxide gas.
Therefore, we can use all the above three methods to differentiate between ethanol and ethanoic acid.

So, the correct answer is Option D.

Note: We must be noted that both ethanol and ethanoic acid can easily be distinguished by observing their physical properties rather than chemically. The smell of the two compounds is contrasting enough to differentiate between the two. Ethanoic acid is also known as acetic acid and has a sour taste whereas ethanol has a burning taste. In addition, ethanol being an alcohol does not react with a base but ethanoic acid reacts with bases to give salt and water.