Question

Two aromatic compounds having formula $C_7H_8O$ which are easily identifiable by $FeCl_3$ solution test (violet colouration) are

• A. $o$-cresol and benzyl alcohol
• B. $m$-cresol and $p$-cresol
• C. $o$-cresol and $p$-cresol
• D. methyl phenyl ether and benzyl alcohol

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$o$-cresol and benzyl alcohol

Answer 2

$o-, m$ - and $p$ - cresol all contain phenolic group, thus they give violet colouration with $FeCl _{3}$ whereas benzylalcohol and methyl phenyl ether donot contain phenolic group, hence give no colouration with $FeCl _{3}$. Hence the pair of compounds which are identifiable by $FeCl _{3}$ is o-cresol and benzyl alcohol.