Functional Groups - The Cerric Nitrate Test
Shows positive test for:
Reactions:
the alcohol complexes with the cerric nitrate ion
How to perform the test:
Three drops of the compound to be tested are added to 10 drops of an acidified cerric ammonium nitrate solution (a yellow solution).
Indications of a positive test:
The immediate formation of the red or red-brown color indicates a positive test. Note that if the unknown is not soluble in water, two layers will be present. A red color in either layer indicates a positive test.
a negative test (left) and a positive test (right)