Ceric Ammonium Nitrate Test

Ceric Ammonium Nitrate turns from yellow to red in presence of alcohols (1°, 2°, 3°).

How It Works

1

Three Unknown Compounds

Tubes A, B, C contain an alcohol, a phenol, and a carboxylic acid.

2

Add CAN Reagent

Ceric Ammonium Nitrate is yellow. It reacts with alcohols to give red color.

3

Observe Color

Red = Alcohol. Green-brown = Phenol. No change = Carboxylic acid.

Reaction Key

Alcohol:

Yellow → Red (alkoxy cerium complex)

Phenol:

Green-brown color

Carboxylic Acid:

No red color change