Ceric Ammonium Itrate Test

1. In a lab experiment, we added 2 ml of ceric ammonim nitrate reagent to a test tube. Then, we added 2 drops of Salicylic acid (2.hydroxbenzoic acid). We came up with a sort of dark brown or deep rusty color. This was a positve result.

The questions are; why did salicylic acid give a positive ceric ammonium nitrate test? and why is it that this particular acid does not cause the reaction to be a yellow solution like the acetic acid?

2. What are the probable class of hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon derivative (i.e.: alkane, alkene. ketone. ester. organic halide, etc...) in each of the following:

a. limonene
b. testosterone (male hormone)
c. retinol (vitamin A)
d. nicotine (tobacco ingredient)
e. cinnamal (cinnamon flavoring)