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The inhaled breath of diabetics patient contain acetone. A medical student wishes to test for diabetes by asking patient to bubble their breath through a reagent ?

Correct answer: A. alkaline aquenous iodine

  • A. alkaline aquenous iodine
  • B. aqueous bromine
  • C. Fehling solution
  • D. aqueous NaOH

Explanation

Acetone contains the CH3CO- group and gives the iodoform test with alkaline aqueous iodine, producing yellow iodoform, CHI3. This test can therefore detect a methyl ketone such as acetone in the breath sample. The likely mistake is choosing Fehling solution, which tests reducing aldehydes and does not normally give a positive result with acetone.

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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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