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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3ap255

Which test distinguishes the compound shown from 2-hydroxybenzoic acid?

  1. ANeutral ferric chloride solution, which gives a violet colour only with 2-hydroxybenzoic acid.
  2. BSodium hydrogencarbonate, which gives effervescence only with the compound shown.
  3. CLitmus paper, which turns red only with 2-hydroxybenzoic acid.
  4. D2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine, which gives a precipitate only with the compound shown.

Answer: A

The compound is aspirin (2-acetoxybenzoic acid), whose phenolic oxygen is acylated. It lacks a free phenolic and gives no colour with neutral , whereas 2-hydroxybenzoic acid gives a violet colour. Both are carboxylic acids, so bicarbonate and litmus do not distinguish them, and neither has a carbonyl that reacts with 2,4-DNP.
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