How can one differentiate between the organic compounds propanal (CH3CH2CHO) and propanone (CH3COCH3)?

React a sample of each compound with Tollens reagent. The aldehyde (propanal) will be oxidised to a carboxylic acid (propanooic acid) and will form a silver mirror. No change will be observed with the ketone or alternatively Heat a sample of each compound with a solution of acidified potassium dichromate, which is orange. Again, the aldehyde will have been oxidised to a carboxylic acid, and the solution will turn green. The ketone solution will stay orange

JT

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain briefly how instantaneous dipole - induced dipole bonds form.


What is Le Châtelier's principle?


In terms of bonding, state the order of boiling point of propane, ethanol and ethanal and why.


Explain how nucleophilic substitution for a haloalkane actually occurs?