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JAMB Chemistry 1990 Question 45

Question 45

Alkanols

The label on a reagent bottle containing a clear organic liquid dropped off. The liquid was neutral to litmus and gave a colourless gas with metallic sodium. The liquid must be an

  1. A.alkanoate
  2. B.alkene
  3. C.alkanol
  4. D.alkane.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (alkanol)

Explanation

Alkanols are neutral to litmus but their –OH group reacts with sodium to give hydrogen gas. Alkanoic acids would turn litmus red; alkanes and alkenes don't react with sodium.