Chemtest (acetate)

Acetate tests determine if the acetate cation (CH₃COO^-) is present.

Preliminary

Qualitative

1. Thermal decomp yields vapors with vinegar smell and redden blue litmus
2. Combination with sulfuric acid yields vapors with vinegar smell and redden blue litmus

Confirmatory

Qualitative

1. Combination with oxalic acid and distilled water yields vapors with vinegar smell and redden blue litmus
2. Heating and combination with concentrated sulfuric acid and ethanol yields a solution with a fruity, rather than vinegar smell
3. Combine with concentrated neutral ferric chloride solution (FeCl₃)
   1. Filter and divide filtrate into two aliquots
   2. Combine the first aliquot dropwise with dilute hydrochloric acid. It should turn from brown to clear
   3. Combine the second aliquot with excess distilled water. It should form a reddish iron complex