Q 12.13 Give simple chemical tests to distinguish between the following pairs of compounds.
(iii) Phenol and Benzoic acid
Phenol gives ferric chloride test () , on reaction with ferric chloride phenol gives violet coloured solution but benzoic acid does not.
Ferric chloride test: Phenol reacts with neutral FeCl3 to form an iron-phenol complex giving violet colouration. But benzoic acid reacts with neutral FeCl3 to give a buff coloured ppt. of ferric benzoate.