Is there a test for methanol which isn't triggered by ethanol?

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Is there a test for methanol which isn't triggered by ethanol?

Thanks.

2007-06-25 03:27:02 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

2 answers

Oxidize the alcohol to give the aldehyde. Test for Cannizarro.

2007-06-25 05:04:35 · answer #1 · answered by ag_iitkgp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Yes

Dissolve borax or boric acid in the methanol. They will form trimethyl borate. If you light the mixture, it will burn with a green flame.

Other alcohols, particularly ethanol, show similar reactions with a green flame of trialkyl borate ester. In contradiction to methanol the reaction must be catalyzed with acid.

2007-06-25 12:07:18 · answer #2 · answered by schmiso 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋