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
Answered by Megan B. Chemistry tutor

7108 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Magnesium is in Group 2 of the Periodic Table. It has a number of naturally occurring isotopes, including 24Mg and 26Mg. (a) (i) Explain, in terms of the subatomic particles in the atoms, why 24Mg and 26Mg are isotopes.


State why it is initially unexpected for alkenes to undergo electrophilic addition with bromine. Explain why this reaction does indeed occur.


Why do the atomic radii of the elements decrease across Period 3 from sodium to chlorine?


In terms of structure and bonding explain why the boiling point of bromine is different from that of magnesium


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning