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Tollens' Test
Silver Mirror Test! Tollens' reagent (AgNO₃/NH₃) gives silver mirror with aldehydes only.
How It Works
1
Three Unknown Compounds
Tubes A, B, C contain aldehyde, ketone, and alcohol.
2
Add Tollens' Reagent + Heat
Tollens' reagent contains [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺. Aldehydes reduce Ag⁺ to silver.
3
Observe Silver Mirror
Silver mirror on walls = Aldehyde. No mirror = Ketone or Alcohol.
Reaction Key
Aldehyde:
Silver mirror on tube walls (Ag⁺ → Ag⁰)
Ketone:
No silver mirror
Alcohol:
No silver mirror