Silver mirror is a test for ____________?
Correct answer: A. Aldehydes
- A. Aldehydes
- B. Thio alcohols
- C. Amines
- D. Ethers
Explanation
In Tollens' test, aldehydes reduce diamminesilver(I) ions to metallic silver, producing a silver mirror, while the aldehyde is oxidised to a carboxylate ion. Most ordinary ketones do not reduce Tollens' reagent. Students may choose amines because both can give qualitative tests, but the silver-mirror test is classically associated with aldehydes.
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About Reactivity of Aldehydes and Ketones
The polar carbonyl group makes aldehydes and ketones undergo nucleophilic addition, reduction and condensation reactions. Aldehydes are generally more reactive and oxidise readily to carboxylic acids, whereas ketones resist mild oxidation; reactions with hydrogen cyanide, sodium bisulfite and 2,4-DNP help identify their behaviour.
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