Procedure
A mixture of 0.20 g of the compound, 0.40 mL of absolute ethanol, and 0.20 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid is warmed over a steam bath for 2 min. The mixture is poured slowly into an evaporating dish containing 2 mL of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. A second layer should be formed. Carefully smell the mixture. The presence of a sweet, fruity smell in the product, where no such smell existed in the original unknown, indicates that the original compound was a carboxylic acid and the acid was esterified. Large molecular weight carboxylic acids produce esters that are odorless.
Positive Test
Formation of an oily layer on top of the water is a positive test.
Complications
None.
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