Question

What is the product when Phenol reacts with neutral Ferric Chloride?

• A. Green precipitate
• B. Blue complex
• C. Violet colored complex
• D. Colorless solution

Hint:

Ferric chloride test is commonly used to detect phenols. A violet or purple coloration indicates the presence of phenolic compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Phenol reacts with neutral ferric chloride (\(\mathrm{FeCl_3}\)) to form a colored complex. This reaction is commonly used as a qualitative test for phenols. When phenol reacts with ferric chloride, a violet (purple) colored complex is formed due to the formation of a coordination compound between phenolate ions and \(Fe^{3+}\).

Step 1: Ionization of phenol. Phenol slightly ionizes in solution to form phenoxide ions: \[ \mathrm{C_6H_5OH \rightarrow C_6H_5O^- + H^+} \]

Step 2: Formation of ferric phenolate complex. The phenoxide ions react with ferric ions: \[ \mathrm{Fe^{3+} + Phenoxide \rightarrow Violet\ Complex} \]

Step 3: Observation. A violet colored complex appears in the solution, confirming the presence of phenolic groups.