A chemist has two pure samples of an organic compound, one of which is obtained from a natural source and one of which is synthesized in the laboratory. Which of the following properties can be used to identify the synthetic sample?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

None of these properties can be used to definitively identify the synthetic sample. Both natural and synthetic samples of the same compound can have the same boiling point, formula weight, and solubility, so these properties alone cannot distinguish between them. Other analytical techniques, such as spectroscopy, would be required for identification.

A Chemist Has Two Pure Samples of an Organic Compound