Iron(III) Chloride - Pyridine Test for Water-Insoluble Phenols

Standard
Phenol

Procedure (for water-insoluble phenols or less reactive phenols)
A more sensitive test for phenols consists of dissolving or suspending 15 mg of the unknown in 0.5 mL of methylene chloride and adding 3-5 drops of a 1% solution ferric chloride in methylene chloride. Add a drop of pyridine and stir.

Positive Test (b)
Addition of pyridine and stirring will produce a color if phenols or enols are present.