Question

What is Tollen's reagent? Write the chemical equation of the reaction of aldehyde with Tollen's reagent.

Hint:

Tollen's test is used to distinguish aldehydes from ketones as only aldehydes undergo oxidation.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition:
Tollen's reagent is an ammoniacal silver nitrate solution that oxidizes aldehydes to carboxylates, forming a silver mirror. 

Step 2: Reaction: \[ R-CHO + 2[Ag(NH_3)_2]^+ + 3OH^- \rightarrow R-COO^- + 2Ag + 4NH_3 + H_2O \]