question_answer

Phenol and benzoic acid may be distinguished by

A) \[NaHC{{O}_{3}}\]                          

B)        \[NaOH\]

C)        \[Na\]                                  

D)        \[PC{{l}_{3}}\]

Correct Answer: A

Solution :

Phenol and benzoic acid can be distinguished by \[NaHC{{O}_{3}}\] because being stronger acid only benzoic acid reacts with it and phenol does not react. Effervescences of \[C{{O}_{2}}\] confirms presence of \[COOH\] group. Phenol and benzoic acid react with other reagents \[(NaOH,\,\,Na,\,\,PC{{l}_{5}})\] given as choices. So, they cannot be used to distinguish them.