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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tollens' reagent is used to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones. It is a solution of silver nitrate and ammonium hydroxide. Aldehydes are easily oxidized to carboxylic acids when treated with Tollens' reagent, which causes the silver ions to be reduced to metallic silver, forming a silver mirror on the inner surface of the test tube. Ketones, on the other hand, are not easily oxidized and do not give a positive test with Tollens' reagent.

Which of the Following Will Give a Positive Test with Tollens