Answer to Question #38734 in Organic Chemistry for ife

Question

2 drops of an unknown hydrocarbon was added to 2mL of ethanol in a test tube. 10 drops of alkaline permanganate was added and the mixture shaken vigorously for 20 minutes. No colour change or precipitate was observed. What is the name of this test method and what type of hydrocarbon is the unknown?

Answer 1

This reaction has no special name and is the qualitative reaction for aldehydes and non-aromatic double bonds. No changes in color tell us that the tested substance does not contain aldehyde groups and double bonds. However this information is not enough to determine which compound was examined.