Page 8 - index

Experiment Identify phenol using ferric chloride test.

11.4 Date ________________

Background Phenol is an aromatic compound which contains a –OH group directly
Information attached with the carbon atom of the benzene ring. It is hygroscopic in nature
and turns pink when exposed to air and light. It is moderately soluble in cold
water, but is readily soluble in ethanol and ether. When treated with ferric
chloride in a dilute aqueous or alcoholic solution, phenol gives a characteristic
purple colour. The colour develops due to the formation of ferric phenoxide.
Phenol is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant.

Materials APPARATUS: Test tubes, test tube holder, test tube rack, dropper, safety goggles.
Required CHEMICALS: Phenol solution, freshly prepared ferric chloride solution, distilled

water.

! AB

Ÿ Phenol can cause a
severe health hazard. It
should be handled
with extreme cautions.

Ÿ Phenol is highly
corrosive. Do not allow
it to come in contact
with the skin..

Ÿ Use freshly prepared
ferric chloride
solution.

Å’ Take three test tubes, label them A, B, C and
keep them in a test tube rack.

Procedure  Take some phenol solution in test tube A, 1. Why does phenol give

freshly prepared (1%) ferric chloride ferric chloride test?

solution in test tube B and distilled water in 2. Can you carry out ferric

test tube C. chloride test to identify
Ž Dilute the phenol solution with distilled alcohols? If not why?

water and then add a few drops of freshly

prepared ferric chloride solution in it. Note down the observation.

31