what is a simple test to detect the presence of a carbonyl and to identify it?

A carbonyl is either a ketone or an aldehyde. In order to see whether the carbonyl group is present (C double bond O), 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine must be used. If an orange/yellow precipate is formed, then a carbonyl group is present. Then, you must purify the precipitate by recrystalisation and measure its melting point. then compare the melting point to known values to determine the compounds identity.

ZM
Answered by Zahra M. Chemistry tutor

22408 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does the reactivity change down Group 1 elements, and why?


Explain why water molecules form on average two hydrogen bonds per molecule, whereas ammonia molecules (NH3) form only one.


Describe, with the aid of diagrams, what hydrogen bonding is in water.


Write down the equation for the Gibbs Free Energy change of a reaction. Hence explain why, for a spontaneous endothermic reaction, there must be an increase in the total entropy.


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