Qualitative tests for organic functional groups | practical videos | 16–18 students

Test tubes marked A to F in a blue test tube holder; each one contains some clear liquid and is sealed with a bung

Source: Royal Society of Chemistry

Video and supporting resources to support a practical investigation to identify organic functional groups using a range of qualitative tests

Apply a range of qualitative tests to identify organic functional groups in a set of unknown samples for learners on A-level and equivalent 16–18 courses. Additional resources include pause-and-think questions with answers, teacher notes, technician notes, intended outcomes and a follow-up worksheet.

Chapter titles: 00:10 Introduction to the investigation; 02:04 Test for carboxylic acid by adding a few drops of sodium hydrogen carbonate solution to each sample; 03:35 Test for an unsaturated hydrocarbon by adding 1 cm3 of bromine water to each sample; 05:26 Test for haloalkanes with ethanol and silver nitrate solution; 07:40 Test for alcohols with acidified potassium dichromate solution, microscale; 09:49 Test for carbonyl groups with Brady’s reagent (a solution of dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH)), microscale; 12:07 Test for aldehydes using Tollens’ reagent.

Make your lessons pop

Choose an account option to continue exploring our full range of articles and teaching resources

Free

Free access for everyone, everywhere. If you only need a few resources, start here.


What's included

  • One free teaching resource each month
  • Five free Education in Chemistry articles each month
  • Personalised email alerts and bookmarks