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n-propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol can be chemically distinguished by which reagent : -
A
$PCl_5$
B
Reduction
C
Oxidation with potassium dichromate
D
Ozonolysis
Detailed Solution
n-Propyl alcohol, $CH_3CH_2CH_2OH$, is a primary alcohol. On oxidation with acidified potassium dichromate it gives propanal and then propanoic acid (an acid with the same number of carbons).
Isopropyl alcohol, $(CH_3)_2CHOH$, is a secondary alcohol. On oxidation it gives acetone (a ketone), which is not oxidised further easily.
The products can be told apart: the aldehyde/acid gives positive Tollens' or Fehling's tests, while acetone does not (but gives the iodoform test).
$PCl_5$ reacts with both alcohols in the same way, giving HCl fumes, so it cannot distinguish them; reduction and ozonolysis are not relevant.
So they can be distinguished by oxidation with potassium dichromate.
Isopropyl alcohol, $(CH_3)_2CHOH$, is a secondary alcohol. On oxidation it gives acetone (a ketone), which is not oxidised further easily.
The products can be told apart: the aldehyde/acid gives positive Tollens' or Fehling's tests, while acetone does not (but gives the iodoform test).
$PCl_5$ reacts with both alcohols in the same way, giving HCl fumes, so it cannot distinguish them; reduction and ozonolysis are not relevant.
So they can be distinguished by oxidation with potassium dichromate.