Tollens’ Test
Definition: What is Tollens’ Test?
Tollens’ test, also known as a silver-mirror test, is a qualitative laboratory test that is used to differentiate between an aldehyde and a ketone. It uses the fact that aldehydes can be easily oxidized than ketones. This test cannot distinguish between an aldehyde and an α-hydroxy ketone (e.g., hydroxy acetone) [1-4].
Tollens Test
The history of this reaction goes back to 1882 when a work done by German chemist Bernard Tollens was published in a German journal.
Examples of Tollens’ Test
Tollens Test Benzaldehyde
Tollens’ Reagent
Tollens reagent is a mild oxidizing chemical reagent that is used in the Tollens’ test. It is a colorless, basic, and aqueous solution containing silver ions coordinated to ammonia, forming a diaminesilver(I) complex [Ag(NH3)2]+. Tollens’ reagent is prepared using a two-step procedure. During the process, two events occur. First, the aldehyde gets converted into carbon dioxide. Second, the Ag+ ions are reduced to Ag metal, which leaves a shiny appearance inside the test-tube, indicating a positive result [1-3].
Tollens Reagent
Mechanism of Tollens Test [5]
Tollens Test Mechanism
FAQs
Q.1. Why does fructose reduce Tollens’ reagent?
Ans. In aqueous solution, fructose is enolized and converted into aldehyde in basic medium. As aldehydes generally reduce Tollen’s reagent, thus fructose also reduces Tollen’s reagent.
References
- Definition and preparation – Chem.libretexts.org
- Definition and preparation – Byjus.com
- Definition and preparation – Vedantu.com
- Definition – Edu.rsc.org
- Mechanism – Leah4sci.com
