The following substances are given in three test tubes: a) hexane; b) benzene; c) acetic acid solution.

The following substances are given in three test tubes: a) hexane; b) benzene; c) acetic acid solution. Identify each of the substances.

Acetic acid solution has a characteristic odor that is difficult to confuse with anything else, everyone knows the smell of food vinegar. Benzene and hexane also differ in smell, but if a person does not encounter them every day, then this is impossible. If it is necessary to determine substances precisely by means of chemical reactions, then:
1. Add a pinch of baking soda to each tube. Foam forms in the test tube with acetic acid – CO2 is released: CH3COOH + NaHCO3 = CH3COONa + H2O + CO2. Nothing happens in test tubes with hydrocarbons.
2. Add iron powder to the tubes, and then add bromine. In a test tube with benzene, bromine will be discolored, but not with hexane.
2Fe + 3Br2 = 2FeBr3 – acts as a catalyst
C6H6 + Br2 = C6H5Br + HBr



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