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Ferric Chloride Test
FeCl₃ gives violet/purple color with phenols. Alcohols and acids show no violet color.
How It Works
1
Three Unknown Compounds
Tubes A, B, C contain phenol, alcohol, and carboxylic acid.
2
Add Neutral FeCl₃
Neutral FeCl₃ gives a characteristic violet color with phenols only.
3
Observe Color
Violet = Phenol. No violet = Alcohol or Carboxylic acid.
Reaction Key
Phenol:
Violet/purple color (phenolate-Fe³⁺ complex)
Alcohol:
No violet color
Carboxylic Acid:
Buff/faint yellow (NOT violet)