List two tests for experimentally distinguishing between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid and describe how these tests are performed .

Explanation

Test - Litmus Test. Take 2 strips of blue litmus paper. Place a drop each of alcohol and
carboxylic and on these strips separately. The blue litmus paper turns red in the case of
carboxylic acid and remains unaffected in the case of alcohol.
Test-2- Sodium hydrogen carbonate Test/ Sodium carbonate Test . A pinch of sodium
hydrogen carbonate or sodium carbonate is added to both alcohol and a carboxylic acid
separately. If brisk effervescence with the evolution of a colorless gas is observed , it
indicates the presence of carboxylic acid whereas no effervescence is seen in case of an alcohol.