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SODIUM BICARBONATE TEST (Carboxylic Acid Group)

1. To a clean test tube, add 1 -2 ml of the unknown organic solution
2. To the same test tube, add 1-2 drops of NaHCO3 solution into the test tube using dropper
3. Observe the changes and the reaction carefully. Take note of the changes
What is the result for this experiment?

1 answer

The sodium bicarbonate test is used to identify the presence of carboxylic acids in an organic solution. When a carboxylic acid is present, it will react with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas, along with a salt and water.

The expected result of the experiment is as follows:

  1. Observation of Effervescence: If the unknown organic solution contains a carboxylic acid, you will observe effervescence (bubbling or fizzing) as carbon dioxide gas is released during the reaction.

  2. No Reaction: If the unknown organic solution does not contain a carboxylic acid, there will be little to no reaction, and you will not observe any bubbles.

In summary, the detection of bubbles is a positive result indicating the presence of a carboxylic acid in the unknown organic solution.