Sodium Bicarbonate Test Simulator

Sodium Bicarbonate Test

A qualitative test distinguishing Carboxylic Acids from Phenols and Alcohols.

1. Setup Experiment

Select Unknown Compound

2. Observation

Physical State Clear Liquid

Status: Standby.
Select a compound. The addition of Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) solution tests the relative acidity of the functional group.

3. Chemical Principles (pKa)

Rule of Acidity: A stronger acid displaces a weaker acid from its salt.

Carboxylic Acids (pKa ~4-5) are stronger acids than Carbonic Acid, H₂CO₃ (pKa ~6.3). Thus, they react to release CO₂ gas.

Phenols (pKa ~10) and Alcohols (pKa ~16) are weaker than Carbonic Acid, so no reaction occurs.

Visual Key

Clear Aqueous/Organic Solution

CO₂ Gas Bubbles (Effervescence)

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Lecture Notes

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