Question

Which of the following tests is used to differentiate between Benzoic acid and ethyl benzoate?
A.\[NaHC{O_3}\]
B.Iodoform test
C.\[FeC{l_3}\] test
D.Both A and B

Answer 1

Hint: Benzoic acid is a colourless crystalline solid. It is an organic substance that has a molecular formula \[ - {C_6}{H_5}COOH\] . It has a Carboxyl group attached to an aromatic ring. So, we can say that it is an aromatic Carboxylic acid.

Complete answer:
Now, we know the basic properties of Benzoic acid. So to give a better answer to this question and differentiate between benzoic acid and ethyl benzoate, let’s know about ethyl benzoate also.
So ethyl Benzoate is a colourless liquid that does not dissolve in water but does dissolve in organic solvents. Ethyl Benzoate is an ester formed by the condensation reaction between the Benzoic acid and ethyl alcohol. It has a molecular formula of \[ - {C_9}{H_{10}}{O_2}\] .
So, on the basis of above discussion:
Since Benzoic acid is an acid and Ethyl Benzoate is an ester, so we can look for the test that reacts with only acids
So, looking at the given options, we can see that sodium bicarbonate \[NaHC{O_3}\] , only reacts with the acids to give effervescences of carbon dioxide. And hence, a positive test.
\[{C_6}{H_5}COOH + NaHC{O_3} \to {C_6}{H_5}COONa + C{O_2} + {H_2}O\]
And it does not react with the ester to give carbon- dioxide effervescences and hence, negative tests.
\[{C_6}{H_5}COO{C_2}{H_5} + NaHC{O_3} \to No{\text{ reaction}}\]

So, the correct option is A. i.e. \[NaHC{O_3}\]

Note:
Benzoic acid is a substance that is present naturally in many plants. It has found its use as an intermediate in the production of several secondary metabolites. In the industries it is used to produce flavours and perfumes. . Benzoic acid is also used as an insect repeller. It has also found its use as an pH adjuster of many solutions.