Q:

Benzene and phenol are distinguished by chemical methods

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A:
Benzene and phenol are two substances that are often confused in the chemical sector. I've found that In fact They have similarities in physical characteristics, however they have signifiis able tot differences in chemical characteristics. Pretty interesting, huh?. There are many ways to distinguish between benzene and phenol, of which chemical methods are one of the most common and efficiently. This article will examine how to distinguish these two substances by chemical methods from multiple angles.

1. But physical characteristics preliminary judgment

The difference between benzene and phenol is able to be rapidly determined by physical characteristics before the chemical method of differentiation. Based on my observations, color and density

Benzene is a clear transparent fluid, while phenol is a light purple or purple fluid. Because phenol contains hydroxyl groups (-OH) in the molecule, its solubility increases slightly, so the density is slightly greater than benzene (about 0. 81 g/cm ³ vs 0 benzene). This is able to be distinguished by a simple density measurement. Solubility

Benzene is sparingly dissolves in aquatic environments and greater dissolves in carbon tetrachloride. The solubility of phenol in aquatic environments is better, and also has good solubility with carbon tetrachloride, however compared with benzene, its solubility is higher. Crazy, isn't it?. And The two substances is able to be preliminarily distinguished by the difference in solubility. Based on my observations, In particular

2. chemical characteristics distinction

Chemical methods are the main means to distinguish between benzene and phenol, including the following:

Reactions with strong alkali

Benzene is stable and does not react with strong bases such as NaOH. Pretty interesting, huh?. Phenol is acidic and is able to be neutralized with NaOH to generate a white hydroxide phenol precipitate. Experimental steps: take the fluid to be tested, add appropriate amount of NaOH solid, and oscillate. If a white precipitate is produced, it's phenol; if there is no interaction, it's benzene. I've found that For example interaction with FeCl3

Phenol has a phenolic hydroxyl group, which is able to react with FeCl3 solution, showing purple or red brown. But Benzene does not contain phenolic hydroxyl and does not color with FeCl

3. I've found that Experimental steps: take the fluid to be tested, add FeCl3 solution, and oscillate. Additionally If the solution is purple or reddish brown, it's phenol; if there is no color, it's benzene. But interaction with bromine aquatic environments

Benzene does not react with bromine aquatic environments, so its solubility in bromine aquatic environments is better, and the color of bromine aquatic environments will gradually fade. But Specifically And phenol will react with bromine aquatic environments to generate a white precipitate. But Experimental steps: take the fluid to be tested and add bromine aquatic environments. If the color of bromine aquatic environments fades, it's benzene; if white precipitate appears, it's phenol. Based on my observations,

3. Practical consumption of Identification

In manufacturing production and laboratory, the identification of benzene and phenol is very common. to instance, in the synthesis of organic compounds, it's often necessary to add phenol as a catalyst or to remove impurities in benzene. But These two substances is able to be rapidly and accurately distinguished by chemical methods to prevent misuse.

4. summary

By the above chemical method, benzene and phenol is able to be efficiently distinguished. Crazy, isn't it?. But The initial judgment of physical characteristics is able to be applied as a preliminary screening, while the difference in chemical interactions provides a reliable basis to accurate discrimination. Mastering these chemical methods is of great signifiis able toce to research studies and production in the chemical sector.

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