Where can I find some chemical tests for ethanoic acid?
Ulex replies It is difficult to test specifically for ethanoic acid itself but the presence of an acid, as distinct from an aldehyde or ketone, can be established by adding sodium carbonate powder. In the presence of an acid there would be effervescence due to the evolution of carbon dioxide. You could also add some magnesium powder; again there would be effervescence, due this time to hydrogen. Adding a neutral solution of iron(III) chloride to a solution of the acid that has been neutralised produces a red colour. Methanoic acid also gives a positive result with this test, but not alcohols, aldehydes or ketones. Risk assessment Before attempting any practical work based on the advice and suggestions on this website, you must do the following. Identify any hazards, assess the risks from these hazards, and then decide appropriate control measures to reduce the risks. You must have these approved by those in authority in your school or college laboratory. Do not rely on what is said on
