[jjc]

Hi can anyone suggest a chemical reaction to differentiate ethanoic acid from propanoic acid? it can take place through a couple of reactions? but it must be visible outcomes

THANKS

[Kryolith]

Welcome to the forum 

Have a look at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodoform_reaction

[AWK]

Welcome to the forum 

Have a look at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodoform_reaction

Haloform reaction undergo ketones, not acids

[Kryolith]

Haloform reaction undergo ketones, not acids

I know.

Only methyl ketones, or alcohols [or acetaldehyde] with the feature:

    CH₃CH(OH)-R

may undergo this reaction.

Hi can anyone suggest a chemical reaction to differentiate ethanoic acid from propanoic acid? it can take place through a couple of reactions? but it must be visible outcomes

[ARGOS++]

Dear jjc;

Why not using the simple Ferrichloride-Test (FeCl₃) for that?
(Would you like to have a Translation from German, if you can’t find it? )

Good Luck!
                    ARGOS⁺⁺

[AWK]

Why not using the simple Ferrichloride-Test (FeCl3) for that?

FeCl3 test is devoted for detection of alkanoic acids?

[ARGOS++]

Dear Mr AWK;

Of course!,  ─   That’s very true!

But at the same time the “correct” Ferrichloride-Test empowers you to distinguish between Ethanoic Acid  and Pro-pionic Acid, or more correct between Acetic Acid and “Pionic Acids”.

Apropos:   
In case of nearly pure Samples there is a much easer Test: “Put two Test Tubes” for 2 - 3 hours into the normal Fridge and watch the result.

Good Luck!
                    ARGOS⁺⁺

[jjc]

Haloform reaction undergo ketones, not acids

I know.

Only methyl ketones, or alcohols [or acetaldehyde] with the feature:

    CH₃CH(OH)-R

may undergo this reaction.

Hi can anyone suggest a chemical reaction to differentiate ethanoic acid from propanoic acid? it can take place through a couple of reactions? but it must be visible outcomes

THANKS KROYLITH! i get it already... first you reduce the carboxylic acid and then do the iodoform test... why didn't i think of it! u're a genius thanks much