Methanol and ethanol can be distinguished by

Options

A. Lucas test
B. Iodoform test
C. Victor Meyer's test
D. All of these

Answer

To distinguish between methanol and ethanol, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Methanol and Ethanol
- **Methanol (CH3OH)**: It is a primary alcohol with one carbon atom.
- **Ethanol (CH3CH2OH)**: It is also a primary alcohol but has two carbon atoms.

### Step 2: Identify the Tests Available
The tests mentioned for distinguishing between alcohols are:
1. Lucas Test
2. Iodoform Test
3. Victor-Meyer Test

### Step 3: Analyze the Lucas Test
- The Lucas Test is used to differentiate between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols.
- Since both methanol and ethanol are primary alcohols, they will not show a significant difference in this test.
- **Conclusion**: Lucas Test cannot be used to distinguish methanol from ethanol.

### Step 4: Analyze the Iodoform Test
- The Iodoform Test is specifically used to identify methyl ketones or alcohols that can be oxidized to methyl ketones.
- Ethanol reacts with iodine in the presence of sodium hydroxide to produce a yellow precipitate of iodoform (CHI3).
- Methanol does not react in this way and does not produce a precipitate.
- **Conclusion**: Iodoform Test can distinguish between methanol and ethanol.

### Step 5: Analyze the Victor-Meyer Test
- The Victor-Meyer Test is used to differentiate between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols based on the color change observed.
- However, it does not specifically distinguish between methanol and ethanol, as both are primary alcohols.
- **Conclusion**: Victor-Meyer Test cannot be used to distinguish methanol from ethanol.

### Final Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the tests:
- **Correct Answer**: Methanol and ethanol can be distinguished by the **Iodoform Test**.