How can one differentiate between the organic compounds propanal (CH3CH2CHO) and propanone (CH3COCH3)?

React a sample of each compound with Tollens reagent. The aldehyde (propanal) will be oxidised to a carboxylic acid (propanooic acid) and will form a silver mirror. No change will be observed with the ketone or alternatively Heat a sample of each compound with a solution of acidified potassium dichromate, which is orange. Again, the aldehyde will have been oxidised to a carboxylic acid, and the solution will turn green. The ketone solution will stay orange

JT
Answered by Julie T. Chemistry tutor

4024 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between an ionic and covalant bond?


What are the different types of intermolecular forces?


What are the redox reactions involving carbonyls?


A 25 cm3 sample of an unknown concentration of sulfuric acid was titrated against 0.1 mol dm-3 sodium hydroxide. The average titre was 20 cm3. Calculate the concentration of the sulfuric acid.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences