Name: RAFAEL, DUNE VIENIS KAREN N.

Year & Section: BS-

Pharmacy 4A
Date Performed: November 27, 2009 Rating:
____________________

Activity No 07
ETHYL ALCOHOL

I. Objective:
1. To detect the presence of ethyl alcohol in a sample by performing chromic
acid test, Lieben’s iodoform test and Vitali’s test,
2. To understand the principles behind each test, and
3. Interpret the results after performing each method of detection.

I. Data:

Method of Detection Observation/s

Chromic acid Test Actual: The solution changed from light green to green
after boiling. There is a particular odor sensed.
Ideal (+): The color of the liquid will change from red to
green, and at the same time the odor of acetaldehyde is
recognized (Warren, 1921).
Lieben’s Iodoform Actual: The solution turned brown and cloudy yellow
Test upon the addition of potassium hydroxide. The solution
became clear yellow after warming.
Ideal (+): A yellowish white to lemon yellow precipitate
of iodoform will appear immediately or as the solution
cools. (Warren, 1921).
Vitali’s Test Actual: A mild explosion took place and the yellow
solution became violet.
Ideal (+): A red color appears due to potassium
xanthogenate ((CS(OC2H5)(SK)) (Warren, 1921).

Chromic Acid Test Mechanism of Reaction:

(a) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 = K2SO4 + H2Cr2O7(H2O + 2CrO8)
(b) 3C2H6OH + 2CrO3 + 3H2SO4 = 3CH3CHO + Cr2(SO4)2 + 6H2O
(Acetaldehyde)

Leiben’s Iodoform Test

The correct explanation of the iodoform reaction is probably the following:
Iodine and potassium hydroxide form potassium hypo-iodite (KOI) by reaction (a).
This compound brings about the oxidation of ethyl alcohol to acetic aldehyde (b)
and at the same time substitutes iodine for hydrogen in the latter (c). Finally tri-
iodo-acetic aldehyde is decomposed by the excess of potassium hydroxide into
iodoform and potassium formate (d).

(a) 2KOH + I2 = KI + H2O + KOI

(b) ClI3CH2OH + KOI = CH3CHO + H2O + KI
(c) CH3ClIO + 3KOI = 3KOH + CI3CHO
(d) Cl2CHO + KOH – CHI3 + HCOOK
I. Answers to Questions:
1. What are the factors governing effect of alcohol?
The effect of a given amount of alcohol on a specific person is a
function, among other things, of the rate at which the alcohol is consumed,
the subject's tolerance to alcohol, and the circumstances related to drinking
(party atmosphere versus a more sombre setting).

The degree of impairment is dose related. However, it is not identical

or linear for all behaviors. It is clear that behavioral skills requiring cognitive
functioning suffer the greatest impairment. Put another way, impairment of
the cognitive functions begins at lower levels of alcohol consumption than for
simple tasks (ForCon Forensic Consulting, 2007).

2. Explain: “Impairment versus intoxication” in alcohol.

It should be noted that individuals can be impaired by alcohol without

manifesting any visible signs. Impairment is not simply the appearance of
gross physical symptoms but a deterioration of judgment, attention, and loss
of fine co-ordination and control with a possible increase in reaction time and
a diminishing of sensory perceptions. Intoxication is an advanced state of
impairment in which the gross physical symptoms of the effects of alcohol
are apparent. The point at which "impairment" becomes "intoxication" is
unique to the subject and depends on tolerance (ForCon Forensic Consulting,
2007).

I. Conclusion/s:

Ethyl alcohol is a clear, volatile and colorless liquid. It is a psychoactive

drug, best known as the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and in
modern thermometers. Ethyl alcohol is one of the oldest recreational drugs.

The effect of a given amount of alcohol on a specific person is a

function, among other things, of the rate at which the alcohol is consumed,
the subject's tolerance to alcohol, and the circumstances related to drinking
(party atmosphere versus a more sombre setting).

II. Bibliography:

ForCon Forensic Consulting. (2007, March 18). Alcohol Absorption, Distribution &
Elimination. Retrieved December 08, 2009, from forcon.ca:
http://www.forcon.ca/learning/alcohol.html

Warren, W. H. (1921). Laboratory Manual for the Detection of Poisons and Powerful
Drugs. New Jersey: Read Books.