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JAMB Chemistry 1993 Question 50

Question 50

Alkanoic Acids and Esters

The confirmatory test for alkanoic acids in organic qualitative analysis is the

  1. A.turning of wet blue litmus paper red
  2. B.reaction with alkanols to form esters
  3. C.reaction with sodium hydroxide to form salt and water
  4. D.reaction with aqueous Na2CO3 to liberate a gas which turns lime water milky
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (reaction with aqueous Na2CO3 to liberate a gas which turns lime water milky)

Explanation

Alkanoic acids are strong enough to release CO2 from sodium carbonate, and the CO2 turns lime water milky. Phenols and alcohols do not do this.