Postlab Questions (2 pts ea; 8 pts total be specific and answer all in complete sentences): 1. How would you distinguish benzaldehyde and acetophenone by the results of their qualitative tests

Using the Iodoform test, we can differentiate both compounds.

Explanation:

Benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO -an aldehyde) and Acetophenone (C6H5COCH3 - a methyl ketone) can be differentiated by reacting both compounds with iodine in a basic (NaOH) solutions.

The methyl ketone (acetophenone) gives a pale yellow precipitate of triiodomethane (iodoform) while the aldehyde (benzaldehyde) would not react.

This is known as the IODOFORM test and is indicative for methyl ketones

we can conclude that the melting point of table salt is above room temperature (it's actually 801 deg c). the melting point of mercury must be below room temperature (- 39 deg c).