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 ▸How can crude oil be used as a source of hydrocarbons?
Why does the first ionisation energy increase across period 3?
How to balance equations?
A chemist mixes together 0.450 mol N2 with 0.450 mol H2 in a sealed container. The mixture is heated and allowed to reach equilibrium. At equilibrium, the mixture contains 0.400 mol N2 and the total pressure is 500 kPa. Calculate Kp.