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Reagents are indispensable tools in chemical research and experiments, and after long-term development, thousands of reagents have been developed. Distinguishing different compounds is particularly important in chemical experiments. Today, we will focus on two common compounds: cyclohexanol and phenol, and introduce the reagents used to distinguish them

Let's understand the basic properties of cyclohexanol and phenol. Cyclohexanol, with the chemical formula C6H12O, is a colorless liquid with high density and easy volatility. Phenol, with the chemical formula C6H6O, is a toxic white solid crystal that often presents an aromatic aroma. There are some similarities in appearance between the two, so reagents are needed to distinguish them

The reagents commonly used to distinguish between cyclohexanol and phenol include iodized water, potassium iodate, and sodium carbonate solution. Below, we will introduce their principles and usage methods one by one

Iodine water. Add a small amount of iodine water onto the test substance. If it is cyclohexanol, the solution will turn brown, and if it is phenol, the solution will still be dark purple. This is because cyclohexanol contains double bonds, and iodine water can undergo an addition reaction to produce brown precipitates, while phenol cannot

Next is potassium iodate. Mix the test substance with potassium iodate solution. If the liquid turns brown yellow, it is cyclohexanol. If the liquid turns purple black, it is phenol. This reaction is because potassium iodate can undergo an oxidation reaction with cyclohexanol, producing a brownish yellow substance; When reacting with phenol, a purple black precipitate is formed

Finally, there is a sodium carbonate solution. Mix the test substance with a sodium carbonate solution. If the liquid turns white and cloudy, it is cyclohexanol. If there is no significant change, it is phenol. This is because cyclohexanol can react with sodium carbonate to form a white precipitate, while phenol cannot

Through the use of the above three reagents, we have successfully distinguished between cyclohexanol and phenol. These reagents play a crucial role in chemical experiments and provide convenience for us to better understand and utilize these compounds

In summary, cyclohexanol and phenol are two common compounds in the field of chemistry, which are similar in appearance but can be easily distinguished by using specific reagents. Iodized water, potassium iodate, and sodium carbonate solutions are commonly used reagents to distinguish between cyclohexanol and phenol. I hope that through the introduction in this article, you have a deeper understanding of the distinction between these two compounds.