A chemist synthesised two solutions A and B, they know one solution is an aldehyde and the other a ketone. Suggest how the chemist could identify which is which and describe any observations they would make
Tollens reagent could be used to identify the the solutions A and B, as the aldehyde solution will oxidise to a carboxylic acid and a ‘silver mirror’ will be observed. Ketones cannot be oxidised further and therefore no reaction.
HJ
Related Chemistry A Level answers
All answers ▸Can you describe four variables which affect the rate of a chemical reaction and how they affect the rate?
Work out the shape of an SF6 molecule
How will the position of equilibrium shift for an endothermic reaction when heated?
What is solvent leveling? How can we distinguish between two strongly acidic solutions? (This is a challenging question and is included for interest only)