AS CHEMISTRY REQUIRED PRACTICAL 6: Testing for Organic Functional Groups

AS CHEMISTRY REQUIRED PRACTICAL 6: Testing for Organic
Functional Groups

Aim is to…
To carry out tests for the presence of organic functional groups and to make
accurate observations.

EQUIPMENT LIST
• Ethanol
• Ethanal
• Cyclohexene
• 1-bromobutane
• Dilute ethanoic acid
• Fehling’s solution A
• Fehling’s solution B
• Bromine water
• Sodium carbonate solution
• Sodium hydrogencarbonate solid
• Sodium hydroxide solution
• Metallic sodium
• Silver nitrate solution
• Dilute nitric acid
• 250cm3 beaker
• Anti-bumping granules
• Test tubes
• Test tube holder
• Thermometer
• Pipette
• Spatula

PLAN

TO IDENTIFY ETHANOL:
1. Add 1cm3 of ethanol to a test tube using a pipette.
2. Add a small piece of metallic sodium to the test tube.
3. Hydrogen gas should be produced, which can be tested for with the ‘squeaky
pop’ test.
4. Safely dispose of an excess sodium using the beaker of ethanol* provided.

*Sodium reacts with excess ethanol and so, can be safely washed away. If sodium
comes in contact with water, there’s a serious fire risk.

TO IDENTIFY ETHANAL:
1. In a clean test tube, mix together equal volumes of Fehling’s solution A and B.
This should result in a clear dark blue solution.
2. Add this reagent to a new test tube, as well as 1cm3 of sodium carbonate
solution and some anti-bumping granules.
3. Add 1cm3 of ethanal to this test tube.