Name: Noellee Forbes
Lab #: 3
Date: 26/11/2023
Title: Qualitative Analysis of Organic Compounds.
Aim: To identify some organic compounds based on reactions with other chemicals.
Material and Apparatus: Ethanoic acid, Acetone, Ethanol, Ethanal, (Unknown A-D) sodium
carbonate, Tollen’s reagent, Fehling’s solution, Brady’s reagent, potassium dichromate, dilute
sulphuric acid, 6 test tubes, beakers, test tube holder, test tube rack.
Method: The following tests were completed on each substance.
1. 2 mL of sodium carbonate was placed into a test tube and 2 mL of an unknown was
[Link] observations were noted
2. 2 mL of the unknown was placed into a test tube, 1 mL of sulphuric acid and 1 mL of
potassium dichromate solution were added
3. 2 mL of unknown was added into a test tube, 1 mL of Brady’s reagent was added and
warmed gently. All observations were noted
4. 2 mL of the unknown was added into a test tube, about 2 mL of Fehling’s solution was
added also. It was heated gently and then all colour changes were noted.
5. 2 mL of the unknown was placed into a test tube and about 2 mL of Tollen’s reagent was
added. It was heated gently and then all colour changes were noted.
Results:
TABLE SHOWING THE OBSERVATIONS AND INFERENCES OF VARIOUS TESTS
USING UNKNOWN ORGANIC COMPOUNDS A,B AND C
TEST OBSERVATION INFERENCE
Addition of sodium A. Vigorous effervescence was A- Since there is vigorous
carbonate solution seen effervescence and it is most
likely a carboxylic [Link] is
B. Changed from colourless to a ethanoic acid
cloudy solution
B- There was only mild
C. Mild effervescence and was discolouration but no other
discoloured to a cloudy solution indicators towards its identity
C- There was mild effervescence
so it can possibly be a weak acid
or alcohol
Addition of potassium A. No visible reaction A- Since there is no reaction, it is
dichromate solution not an aldehyde or alcohol
[Link] visible reaction B- Since there is no reaction, it is
not an aldehyde or alcohol
[Link] to a dirty green
solution C- Since it turned green that
indicates that an oxidation
reaction took place. It can be
inferred that it is an alcohol
Addition of Fehling’s [Link] visible reaction It can be inferred that none of the
solution unknowns are aldehydes.
[Link] solution turned a bit
cloudy
[Link] visible reaction
Addition of Tollens [Link] visible reaction Since there is no visible reaction,
reagent it can be inferred that there is no
[Link] visible reaction aldehyde present.
[Link] visible reaction
Conclusion: Identify the unknowns A-D
In conclusion, A is Ethanoic acid (Carboxylic Acid), B is Acetone(ketone) and C is Ethanol
(alcohol).
Reflection:
I learnt how to identify carboxylic acid, ketone and ethanol. I will apply this knowledge to my
studies of chemistry in university.