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How does the chromic acid test work
Accepted Answer
The chromic acid test is used to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols. Chromic acid (H₂CrO₄) is a strong oxidizing agent that reacts with primary and secondary alcohols to form aldehydes and ketones, respectively. The reaction results in a color change from orange to green, indicating a positive test. Tertiary alcohols do not react with chromic acid, so no color change is observed, indicating a negative test.
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