What is the test for the presence of unsaturated bonds?

1 Answer
Feb 9, 2017

The standard test would be the decolourization of bromine water.

Explanation:

RCH=CHR+Br2(aq)R(Br)CHCH(Br)R

As an olefin, of course cyclopentene should undergo this reaction; cyclopentane should be inert.

As a tip, when you do these things in the lab, it is always a good idea to perform the test on a reagent whose identity you know. For instance, for this test, take actual hexene, add a little bromine water, and see how it decolourizes. And this way we can see the results of a positive text, and compare these results with those obtained from an unknown chemical.