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 ▸

What factors influence the reaction rate?


Describe how propenal, propanal and propanone can be distinguished from one another by simple chemical tests.


Explain the bonding in and the shape of a benzene molecule.


Give reasons for the increase in ionisation energy across a period in the table of elements.