Q38 / 150 · MHT CET 2007 · Chemistry

Corrosive sublimate $\left(\mathrm{HgCl}_{2}\right)$ can be used to distinguish between

  • Correct answer
    A
    formic acid and acetic acid
  • B
    acetaldehyde and butanone
  • C
    formaldehyde and propanone
  • D
    All of the above

Solution

Corrosive sublimate gives black ppt of calomel with formic acid but it does not react with acetic acid. $$ 2 \mathrm{HCOOH}+2 \mathrm{HgCl}_{2} \longrightarrow \mathrm{Hg}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}+\mathrm{CO}_{2}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} $$ $\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COOH}+\mathrm{HgCl}_{2} \longrightarrow$ No reaction

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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