A simple chemical test to distinguish between butan-1-ol and butan-2-ol is the oxidation test using potassium dichromate (\( K_2Cr_2O_7 \)) in acidic medium. Butan-1-ol will oxidize to butanoic acid, while butan-2-ol will oxidize to acetone.
Butan-1-ol: On oxidation, it gives a carboxylic acid, butanoic acid.
Butan-2-ol: On oxidation, it gives a ketone, acetone.
Another test is the reaction with iodine and NaOH:
Butan-1-ol gives a yellow precipitate of iodoform when treated with iodine and NaOH.
Butan-2-ol also gives a yellow precipitate of iodoform, but this reaction can differentiate based on the intensity of the reaction.