The reaction of phenol with neutral iron three chloride solution gives
- A. a violet coloured complex
- B. a white precipitate
- C. carbon dioxide gas
- D. no visible change
Explanation
Phenols form a coloured complex with iron three ions, usually violet, and this is a quick confirmatory test for the phenolic hydroxyl group. Alcohols give no colour at all. The colour varies with the particular phenol, which is why the general term coloured complex is safer than naming one shade.
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