Asked in PMC Practice Test 10 (2021) 2021Moderate

Which of the following gives silver mirror test?

Correct answer: D. All of these

  • A. Butanal
  • B. Methanal
  • C. Ethanal
  • D. All of these

Explanation

Option A: Butanal, also known as butyraldehyde, is an aldehyde with the chemical formula C4H8O. It is a four-carbon aldehyde with a linear chain structure. Option B: Methanal, also known as formaldehyde, is the simplest aldehyde with the chemical formula CH2O. It consists of a single carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms and an oxygen atom. Option C: Ethanal, also known as acetaldehyde, is an aldehyde with the chemical formula C2H4O. It is a two-carbon aldehyde with a carbonyl group attached to one of the carbon atoms. Option D: The silver mirror test is used to distinguish aldehydes from other carbonyl compounds. It involves the reduction of a silver ion (Ag⁺) to silver metal (Ag) by the aldehyde, resulting in the formation of a silver mirror on the inner surface of the reaction vessel. This test is not observed with ketones.

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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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