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Though these four classes of compounds contain the functional group OH, the unique
differences in their reaction chemistry allows one to easily differentiate one from the
other. Phenols are more acidic than alcohols. Alcohols as well as phenols find a
variety of industrial, pharmaceutical, and even household applications. Derivatives of
alcohols and phenols are found in medicines, alcohols are used as common industrial
solvents etc.
Ferric Chloride test: Alcohols are readily differentiated from phenols using this test.
Addition of a drop or two of ferric chloride solution to a sample of phenol (3-4 drops)
will produce a distinct violet/purple coloration. Alcohols do not produce such deep
coloration when treated with ferric chloride solution.
Lucas test, chromic acid test, and boiling points can be used to differentiate primary,
secondary and tertiary alcohols. Phenols do not react under the reaction conditions of
Lucas test and/or chromic acid test.
Lucas Test: A solution of zinc chloride in concentrated hydrochloric acid is called the
Lucas Reagent. The rate of reaction of an alcohol with HCl in presence of ZnCl2 is
dependant on the nature of the alcohol, i.e. whether the alcohol is a primary alcohol,
secondary, and or a tertiary alcohol in nature. Tertiary alcohols react almost
instantaneously to give water insoluble alkyl chlorides as products (remember the fact
that alcohols are water soluble due to H-bonding).
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So if a cloudy dispersion or as a separate layer within the solution occurs immediately upon
mixing the alcohol with the reagents then that alcohol must be a tertiary one.
Secondary alcohols will form cloudy products upon standing while primary alcohols
need to be heated with the reagents before the reaction can occur. This qualitative test
can be used to identify a primary alcohol from secondary and tertiary alcohols.
PURPOSE-
1. To use the chemical characteristics to differentiate phenols and the three
types of alcohols
2. To learn characteristic chemical reactions of alcohols and phenols
PRELAB-
Consider the structures of the various alcohols and phenols shown and complete the
table on the report sheet by noting the expected outcome of the indicated reactions.
PROCEDURE-
Lucus Test:
1. Obtain the six unknown compounds.
2. Label 7 clean dry test tubes with the unknown numbers.
3. Add 5 drops of each sample to the appropriate test tube.
4. Add 1 mL of Lucas reagent. CAUTION: The Lucas Reagent is highly corrosive to
skin, eyes, and other body tissue. Safety glasses and aprons must be worn throughout
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this test. Clean spills immediately. Rinse with plenty of tap water if the reagent contacts
the skin.
5. Mix by tapping the test tube with a finger. If there is no cloudiness m ix by stoppering
and gently shaking the test tubes. Look for cloudiness that may be developing
during this time. Note your observations. If there is no cloudiness after 10 minutes
at room temperature, warm the test tubes that are clear in a water bath (@60 C) for
15 minutes. Record your observations.
6. At the conclusion of this test, rinse the contents of the test tube down the drain with
plenty of tap water. Do not remove safety glasses until the rinsing is complete.
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Experiment 12 – Report Sheet Name __________________
Identification of Alcohols and Phenols
PRELAB-
Compound Ferric Lucas Test (Fast, Medium, Jones Reagent
Chloride Slow and No Reaction) (Green for expected reaction
(Positive or and NR for no reaction )
Negative)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
DATA TABLE-
Unknown Lucas Test Chromic Acid Ferric Alcohol Boiling Point
Number Results Test Results Chloride Test Category
(Fast, Medium, Slow (Green for (Positive or (10, 20, 30, or
and No Reaction) expected reaction Negative)
and NR for no phenol)
reaction )
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
CONCLUSIONS
QUESTIONS
1. Find the section of pages in the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics that would help in your
identification if the above table of possibilities was not given.
2. Is it necessary to perform the Lucas Test in order to determine the unknowns? Explain.
3. Compare the boiling points of the compounds with three carbons bonded aliphatically
compared to four carbons bonded aliphatically. Write a general statement of the effect of chain
length on boiling point. Explain why this trend makes sense using your knowledge of London
Dispersion Forces.
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4. Compare your predicted boiling point for alcohols with the hydroxyl groups on the end as
opposed to in the middle of compound. Write a general statement of the effect of chain
branching on boiling point. What must happen to the London Dispersion Forces as branching
increases?
5. The boiling points of aliphatic isomer of phenol range from 120- 158 oC. Write a general
statement of the effect of the cyclical shape of hydrocarbons on their boiling points. Based on
your data, are London Dispersion Forces greater in a cyclic compound or an aliphatic
compound?
IDENTIFICATION OF UNKNOWNS
Each unknown is one of the alcohols in the chart below. First, use the name of the alcohol to sketch the
structural formula. Next, determine from the structural formula if the alcohol is a primary, secondary, or
tertiary alcohol. Finally, use the boiling point, Lucas test & Chromic Acid test data from your unknowns
to determine the identities of the unknowns.
2-butanol 100 oC
2-methyl-2-propanol 83 oC
(tert-butyl alcohol)
3-methyl-l-butanol 130 oC
(isoamyl alcohol or
isopentyl alcohol)
1-propanol 98 oC
2-propanol 82 oC
phenol 181 oC
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