The following substances are given in three test tubes: hexane, benzene, acetic acid solution.

The following substances are given in three test tubes: hexane, benzene, acetic acid solution. Identify each of the substances

Of course, you can identify all three substances for a specialist by smell. But it is benzene that forces you to abandon this method, since it is unhealthy. And therefore, it is worth taking advantage of high-quality reactions to these chemical compounds. So if you add a pinch of baking soda to these three test tubes, then any housewife knows that the reaction will go with acetic acid

And this is the reaction.

CH3COOH + NaHCO3 = CH3COONa + H2O + CO2.

To determine benzene, add a little bromine water to the remaining tubes. And benzene will discolor it. And this is the reaction.

C6H6 + Br2 = C6H5Br + HB

Well, the remaining test tube will contain hexane.