How can Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid be Differentiated on the Basis of Their Physical and Chemical Properties?

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Detailed Solution

Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) and ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH), also known as acetic acid, can be easily differentiated based on both physical and chemical properties:

Physical Properties

Property	Ethanol	Ethanoic Acid
Smell	Pleasant, alcoholic odor	Pungent, vinegar-like odor
Taste	Burning taste	Sour taste
Boiling Point	78.37°C (low)	118.1°C (high)
Melting Point	-114°C	16.6°C (freezes just below room temp)
Nature	Neutral (does not affect litmus)	Acidic (turns blue litmus red)
State (Room Temp)	Liquid	Liquid, but solidifies in cold weather

Chemical Properties

Reaction with Sodium Carbonate/Bicarbonate:
- Ethanol: No reaction.
- Ethanoic Acid: Reacts to produce brisk effervescence of carbon dioxide gas.
  - CH₃COOH + NaHCO₃ → CH₃COONa + CO₂↑ + H₂O
Reaction with Sodium Metal:
- Ethanol: Reacts slowly to form sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas.
- Ethanoic Acid: Reacts more vigorously, forming sodium acetate and hydrogen gas.
Reaction with Litmus Paper:
- Ethanol: Neutral, does not affect the color of litmus.
- Ethanoic Acid: Acidic, turns blue litmus red.
Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH):
- Ethanol: No reaction.
- Ethanoic Acid: Reacts to form sodium ethanoate and water.
Oxidation:
- Ethanol: Can be oxidized to ethanoic acid by strong oxidizing agents.
- Ethanoic Acid: Does not oxidize further under normal conditions.