Question:easy

Which of the following reagents is used to distinguish ethers from hydrocarbons?

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Ethers have lone pairs on oxygen and dissolve in cold concentrated acid.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • \(\text{NaOH}\)
  • \(\text{KMnO}_{4}\)
  • Cold dilute \(\text{H}_{2}\text{SO}_{4}\)
  • Cold concentrated \(\text{H}_{2}\text{SO}_{4}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Compare the options
NaOH has no reaction with ethers or alkanes.
Cold dilute acid is too weak to protonate an ether.
$\text{KMnO}_4$ does not react with either under cold conditions.

Step 2: Remaining option
Only cold concentrated $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$ dissolves the ether through oxonium salt formation.

Step 3: Conclusion
So option (D) is correct.

Final Answer:
The ether dissolves in cold concentrated sulphuric acid while the hydrocarbon does not. \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{Cold concentrated }\text{H}_{2}\text{SO}_{4}} \]
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