how do you differenciate between acetic acid and methanol in proton NMR?

Answer 1

The spectrum will depend on the concentration and the solvent used. In the case of acetic acid, it is possible to observe the acid signal. However, it will be broad and very far downfield (10-13 ppm) and may be difficult to distinguish from the baseline. The acetyl signal will be upfield (2-3 ppm) In the case of methanol, the methoxy signal will be further downfield due to the electronegative oxygen in proximity (3.5-4.0 ppm)