what is a simple test to detect the presence of a carbonyl and to identify it?

A carbonyl is either a ketone or an aldehyde. In order to see whether the carbonyl group is present (C double bond O), 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine must be used. If an orange/yellow precipate is formed, then a carbonyl group is present. Then, you must purify the precipitate by recrystalisation and measure its melting point. then compare the melting point to known values to determine the compounds identity.

ZM
Answered by Zahra M. Chemistry tutor

23870 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are 'Rate equations' and why are they useful?


Explain how you can prove that C6H6 does not form 1,3,5-Cyclohexatriene but forms Benzene


What are Acids and Bases?


What is a nucleophile and what is an electrophile?


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning