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Distinguishing between carboxylic acid and alcohol

When trying to distinguish between carboxylic acids and alcohols using a sodium carbonate solution, the release of CO[sub[2 is expected for carboxylic acids and no reaction is expected in alcohols.

The question is, why does this happen to carboxylic acids and alcohols? What is the explanation?

Thanks.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 1

Plato's Trousers

Original post by SWEngineer

When trying to distinguish between carboxylic acids and alcohols using a sodium carbonate solution, the release of CO[sub[2

is expected for carboxylic acids and no reaction is expected in alcohols.

The question is, why does this happen to carboxylic acids and alcohols? What is the description?

Thanks.

because carbonates react with any acid to liberate CO₂. They do not react with alcohols