How can you distinguish between 1-propanol and 3-pentanone by means of a chemical reaction?

Answer 1

1-Propanol and 3-pentanone can be distinguished using the oxidation test with potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). 1-Propanol, a primary alcohol, will oxidize to form propanoic acid, resulting in a color change from orange to green. In contrast, 3-pentanone, a ketone, is resistant to oxidation under these conditions and will not produce a color change. This difference in reactivity allows for the identification of the two compounds.