Question

In Victor Mayer's Test, which compound do we get for secondary alcohol?
A.Iodoalkane
B.Nitroalkane
C.Nitrolic acid
D.Pseudo Nitrol

Answer 1

We know that Victor’s Meyer’s test is an important test to distinguish various types of alcohol. It is an organic compound that has a functional group $RC\left( {N{O_2}} \right) = NOH$ and appears as red colour.

Complete step by step answer:

Hydroxyl $\left( {O{H^ - }} \right)$ group is linked with primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols along with primary, secondary and tertiary carbon atoms respectively.
Let us discuss the application Victor Meyers test. It is one of the important tests to differentiate between primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols.
The reagents used in Victor Meyers test are $HI$, $AgN{O_2}$ and $KOH/NaOH$.
In the test, we shall take an unknown alcohol and make it react with a series of chemical analysis resulting in colour changes. Three different colours are observed for different alcohols.
The several steps involved in Victor Meyer’s methods are discussed as follows,
(i) We have to convert the given alcohol into an iodide using concentrated hydrogen iodide or red phosphorus and iodine.
(ii) We have to treat the iodide with silver nitrite to produce nitroalkane.
(iii) Nitroalkane is treated with nitrous acid ($NaN{O_2} + {H_2}S{O_4}$) and is made alkaline with potassium hydroxide.
The resulting colour of solution will be observed as,
If we get a blood red colour, the alcohol would be identified as primary alcohol.
If we get a blue colour, the alcohol would be identified as secondary alcohol.
If we get no colour change, then the alcohol would be identified as tertiary alcohol.
If the final compound is pseudo nitrol, then the alcohol is secondary alcohol.

Therefore, option (D) is correct.

Note:
When we use the above reagents ($HI$, $AgN{O_2}$ and $KOH/NaOH$) react with a primary alcohol, we will get the final product as nitrolic acid, and when we use the reagents ($HI$, $AgN{O_2}$ and $KOH/NaOH$) with tertiary alcohols, there would be no reaction. Victor Meyer's test is also known as the Red, Blue and White test.