A chemist has 3 beakers, each containing a pure sample of acetone (2-propanone), isopropanol (2-propanol) and propanal. Using chemical techniques, suggest how the chemist may be able to determine which beaker contains which sample. [4]

Brady's reagent is an orange solution of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine which reacts with carbonyl containing functional groups to produce an orange precipitate (2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative of the carbonyl compound). [1]Isopropanol won't form a precipitate with Brady's reagent, which allows it to be identified. [1]Acetone and propanal do form precipitates with Brady's reagent [1]. Acetone and propanal can be distinguished by: measuring the melting points of the hydrazone precipitates and comparing those with known literature values/adding Tollen's reagent, which produces a silver mirror with the propanal but not with the acetone, as ketones can't be further oxidised by silver cations but aldehydes can be oxidised to carboxylic acids. [1]

SM
Answered by Stephen M. Chemistry tutor

2006 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between exothermic and endothermic?


Find the concentration of calcium carbonate given that 25cm^3 of CaCO3 is neutralised by an average of 14cm^3 of 0.1 molar HCl .


Please give the definition of Le Chatilier's principle. Use this to explain what would happen if you increased the temperature of an equilibrium in which the forwards reaction is exothermic.


Q2. Calculate the pH of the solution formed after 50.0 cm^3 of 0.0108 mol/dm^3 aqueous sodium hydroxide are added to beaker B. Give your answer to 2 decimal places


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences