Acetyl Chloride Test



Alcohol

Acetyl chloride test for alcohol.

Phenol

Acetyl chloride test for phenol.

1o amine

Acetyl chloride test for primary amine.

2o amine

Acetyl chloride test for secondary amine.


Procedure

In hood: Add drop by drop 0.2 mL of acetyl chloride to 0.2 mL or 0.2 g of the unknown. Allow the mixture to stand for a minute or two and then pour it cautiously into 1 mL of water.

Positive Test

Evolution of heat and HCl gas or a precipitate is a positive test.

Alcohols and phenols produce esters indicated by the formation of a top layer in the flask.

Primary and secondary amines form amides which precipitate.

Complications

Moisture present in the unknown will give positive test.