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Sodium Bicarbonate Test
NaHCO₃ produces brisk effervescence (CO₂) with carboxylic acids. Phenols and alcohols do not react.
How It Works
1
Three Unknown Compounds
Tubes A, B, C contain carboxylic acid, phenol, and alcohol.
2
Add NaHCO₃
Carboxylic acids are stronger than H₂CO₃ and release CO₂ with NaHCO₃.
3
Observe Effervescence
Brisk effervescence (CO₂) = Carboxylic acid. No bubbles = Phenol or Alcohol.
Reaction Key
Carboxylic Acid:
Brisk effervescence (CO₂)
CO₂ turns lime water milky
Phenol:
No effervescence (weaker than H₂CO₃)
Alcohol:
No effervescence (neutral)