Describe chemical test/s you could use to determine the identity of a carbonyl compound.

Use Brady's Reagent (2,4-DNPH) to test for the presence of the C=O bond in a carbonyl compound. The formation of a yellow precipitate indicates a positive test result. Then determine the melting point of the product to identify the original carbonyl.

Alternatively you can use Tollen's reagent to determine whether a carbonyl is a ketone or an aldehyde. As Tollen's is a (weak) oxidising agent, there will be no reaction upon addition to a ketone, but a silver precipitate will form with an aldehyde. 

MB

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I tackle Kc questions?


what is the number of ion in 7.41g of calcium hydoxide Ca(OH)2 ?


How do you work out the oxidation number of a atom in a compound?


Why do branch chained isomers have lower boiling point than straight chain equivalents?