Phenol can be distinguished from ethanol by the following reagents except

Options

A. NaOH
B. `FeCl_(3)`
C. `Br_(2)//H_(2)O`
D. Na

Answer

To solve the question of how phenol can be distinguished from ethanol using various reagents, we will analyze the reactivity of each reagent with both phenol and ethanol.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Compounds**:
- **Phenol**: A hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a benzene ring, which makes it more acidic than alcohols.
- **Ethanol**: A simple alcohol with the formula C2H5OH, which is less acidic than phenol.

2. **Analyzing the Reagents**:
- **Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)**:
- Phenol reacts with NaOH to form sodium phenoxide (a salt).
- Ethanol does not react with NaOH.
- **Conclusion**: NaOH can distinguish phenol from ethanol.

3. **Ferric Chloride (FeCl3)**:
- Phenol reacts with FeCl3 to form a colored complex (purple/blue color).
- Ethanol does not form a colored complex with FeCl3.
- **Conclusion**: FeCl3 can distinguish phenol from ethanol.

4. **Bromine Water (Br2)**:
- Phenol reacts with bromine water to form 2,4,6-tribromophenol, which precipitates as a white solid.
- Ethanol does not react with bromine water in the same way.
- **Conclusion**: Bromine water can distinguish phenol from ethanol.

5. **Sodium (Na)**:
- Both phenol and ethanol are weak acids and can react with sodium to release hydrogen gas.
- Since both compounds react similarly with sodium, this reagent cannot distinguish between them.
- **Conclusion**: Sodium cannot distinguish phenol from ethanol.

### Final Answer:
The reagent that cannot be used to distinguish phenol from ethanol is **Sodium (Na)**.