Given compounds can be distinguished by - (c) Iodoform reaction
Iodoform reaction is given by compounds having methyl ketone group.
Thus, it can distinguish between the given compounds. 2-pentanone has formula CH3(CH2)2COCH3 and 3-pentanone has formula CH3CH2COCH2CH.
Since methyl group is present in 2-pentanone thus it gives the test. Reaction for test is given below -
CH3(CH2)2COCH3 + I2 + NaOH --> CHI3 + NaI + H2O + CH3CH2CH2COONa.
CHI3 formed is methyl iodide yellow in color. NaI is sodium iodide, H2O is water, I2 represents iodine, NaOH represents sodium hydroxide, CH3CH2CH2COONa is sodium butanoate.