A chemist has 3 beakers, each containing a pure sample of acetone (2-propanone), isopropanol (2-propanol) and propanal. Using chemical techniques, suggest how the chemist may be able to determine which beaker contains which sample. [4]

Brady's reagent is an orange solution of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine which reacts with carbonyl containing functional groups to produce an orange precipitate (2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative of the carbonyl compound). [1]Isopropanol won't form a precipitate with Brady's reagent, which allows it to be identified. [1]Acetone and propanal do form precipitates with Brady's reagent [1]. Acetone and propanal can be distinguished by: measuring the melting points of the hydrazone precipitates and comparing those with known literature values/adding Tollen's reagent, which produces a silver mirror with the propanal but not with the acetone, as ketones can't be further oxidised by silver cations but aldehydes can be oxidised to carboxylic acids. [1]

SM
Answered by Stephen M. Chemistry tutor

2341 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the variation of atomic radius along a period and along a group of the Periodic Table


How do you describe the process of recrystallisation to purify a product?


Work out the number of electrons, protons and neutrons in Silicon 29 isotope.


Calculate the empirical and molecular formula of unknown compound A which gave an m/z of 181 in the mass spectrum for the molecular ion peak. Elemental analysis by combustion shows the compound is C 53%, O 35.4%, H 3.9% and N 7.7%.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning