List two tests for experimentally distinguishing between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid and describe how these tests are performed.

• Test with NaHCO₃ solution in water: By adding carboxylic acid to baking soda, carbon dioxide is liberated with brisk effervescence. On adding a solution of baking soda to alcohol, no brisk effervescence occurs.
• Test with blue litmus solution: Carboxylic acid turns blue litmus red. There is no change in colour when a blue litmus solution is added to alcohol.

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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