Describe chemical test/s you could use to determine the identity of a carbonyl compound.

Use Brady's Reagent (2,4-DNPH) to test for the presence of the C=O bond in a carbonyl compound. The formation of a yellow precipitate indicates a positive test result. Then determine the melting point of the product to identify the original carbonyl.

Alternatively you can use Tollen's reagent to determine whether a carbonyl is a ketone or an aldehyde. As Tollen's is a (weak) oxidising agent, there will be no reaction upon addition to a ketone, but a silver precipitate will form with an aldehyde. 

MB
Answered by Megan B. Chemistry tutor

8056 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What product is formed upon addition of dimethylamine to ethanoyl chloride? Provide a curly-arrow mechanism for the formation of this product.


Describe the trend in the reactivity of group 2 elements with chlorine as you descend down the group.


Describe the stages of a heterogeneous catalyst reaction route.


How do I predict the shape of a molecule?


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