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

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