Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids: Tollens test MCQ

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Tollens testEasyQuestion 790002

Question

Tollens' reagent (ammoniacal AgNO₃) distinguishes aldehydes from ketones because:

A
Aldehydes reduce Ag⁺ to Ag (silver mirror), ketones do not
Correct
B
Ketones form precipitates
C
Aldehydes are acidic
D
Tollens' reacts with all carbonyls

Correct answer

Aldehydes reduce Ag⁺ to Ag (silver mirror), ketones do not

Explanation

Aldehydes are oxidised by Tollens' reagent: RCHO + 2[Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺ → RCOO⁻ + 2Ag↓ + ... The silver mirror confirms aldehyde. Ketones cannot be oxidised under mild conditions.

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