Which of the following will generally give a positive test with Tollens' reagent?
A) aldehydes
B) carboxylic acids
C) both aldehydes and carboxylic acids
D) none of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tollens' reagent is a solution of silver nitrate in ammonia, which is used as a test for the presence of aldehydes. In the presence of an aldehyde, Tollens' reagent is reduced to metallic silver, which forms a characteristic silver mirror on the inner surface of the reaction vessel. Carboxylic acids do not react with Tollens' reagent under normal conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is choice A: aldehydes.

Which of the Following Will Generally Give a Positive Test