Question:
Give a simple chemical test to distinguish between 3-pentanol and 2-pentanol.
Give a simple chemical test to distinguish between 3-pentanol and 2-pentanol.
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Oxidation tests help identify the position of the hydroxyl group in alcohols.
Updated On: Jul 11, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
A simple chemical test to distinguish between 3-pentanol and 2-pentanol involves the use of the oxidation test with potassium dichromate (K$_2$Cr$_2$O$_7$). 2-pentanol, being a secondary alcohol, will be oxidized to a ketone (pentan-2-one) when treated with K$_2$Cr$_2$O$_7$, while 3-pentanol, being a secondary alcohol as well, will also undergo oxidation to a ketone. However, the position of the functional group in each compound leads to different products, and thus different reactions under specific conditions.
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