Phenol can be distinguished from ethanol by the reactions with _________.
• Phenol can be distinguished from ethanol by treating them with Bromine water. Phenol reacts with Br2/water and is precipitated as 2,4,6-tribromophenol. The White precipitate is formed in case of Phenol.
No white precipitate is formed in case of Ethanol. Hence, the option (i) is correct.
• Phenol reacts with neutral FeCl3 to form a violet coloured complex whereas Ethanol does notgive any reaction with neutral FeCl3. Hence, the option (iii) is correct.
• Phenol reacts with Sodium metal to yield Sodium phenoxide and Hydrogen gas. Ethanol reacts with Na to form Sodium ethoxide and Hydrogen gas. Both of them show the same kind of products. Thus, one cannot distinguish Phenol and Ethanol using Na. Hence, options (ii) and (iv) are incorrect.