Hydroxyl Group Detection (Alcoholic $$-\text{OH}$$)

Formula / Core Reaction:

$$\text{R-OH} + (\text{NH}_4)_2[\text{Ce}(\text{NO}_3)_6] \rightarrow [\text{Ce}(\text{NO}_3)_4(\text{ROH})_2] + 2\text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3$$

$$2\text{R-OH} + 2\text{Na} \rightarrow 2\text{R-ONa} + \text{H}_2 \uparrow$$

Concept: Alcoholic hydroxyl groups react with Ceric Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) to replace nitrate ligands, producing a red complex. Reaction with metallic sodium generates hydrogen gas via active hydrogen displacement.

Notation / Key Observation:

• $$(\text{NH}_4)_2[\text{Ce}(\text{NO}_3)_6]$$: Ceric Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) reagent;
• Red Color Complex: Positive test for alcoholic $$-\text{OH}$$;
• $$\text{H}_2 \uparrow$$: Rapid effervescence indicating active hydrogen.