if not, how might you go about it? if so, how would you do it?
2006-06-21 04:30:39 · 5 answers · asked by munkygone2hevn 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
no, you cant.
U cant even test the pH for alcohol even if it is slightly acidic compared to other organic compounds, because it's a weaker acid than water. Alcohol can dissolve in aqueous soln; they dont ionize but form network of hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
In aqueous solution, no matter how basic it is, (let's say 14, that's the best u can do) alcohol will not lose an hydrogen atom 'cause its conjugate base is a stronger base than hydroxide ions (strongest base in aqueous soln). pKa for water is 15, alcohol is 16-18.
2006-06-21 04:40:48 · answer #1 · answered by nickyTheKnight 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, litmus paper is used to test for the acidity and basicness of a liquid.
2006-06-21 11:37:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
of course you can. do a 50/50 mix of the alchol and water and test on litmus though you might try just the alchol and see how the 2 compare. sometimes you can get away with just using alcohol
2006-06-21 12:53:45 · answer #3 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you can't ; alcohol is considered neutral, so it won't have any effect on litmus paper.
2006-06-21 11:32:48 · answer #4 · answered by ~Lavender~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you can only use litmus paper to test acids and alkaloids.
2006-06-21 11:37:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋