Identification of Functional Groups by Test-Tube Reactions (AQA A Level Chemistry): Revision Note

Stewart Hird

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Test-Tube Reactions

  • Often, chemists will need to identify the functional groups present in an organic compound

  • Some simple questions which can be considered are:

    • Is the compound acidic?

      • If so, it could be a carboxylic acid

    • What state is the compound in?

      • If solid, it could suggest long C-C chains or strong intermolecular forces

      • If liquid, it could suggest medium C-C chain length, or something polar

      • If gas, it will likely have very short C-C chain length and is unlikely to be polar

    • Is it soluble in water?

      • If so, then it suggests that the compound has polar groups and if not, then it suggests that it does not have polar groups present

  • Following this, simple chemical tests can also be done, to determine the functional groups which are present

  • These are known as test-tube reactions, and are simple but highly effective tests

Simple Test Tube Reactions

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Stewart Hird

Author: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.

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