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

8100 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Which chemical would have a higher boiling point 1,3-dimethylbutane or hexane


You are given a clear solution that is either an alkene or an alkane. Describe a test using bromine water that you could use to determine whether it is an alkene or alkane solution.


Benzene reacts with Chlorine gas in the presence of iron trichloride to yield hexachlorobenzene. However, when it reacts with fluorine gas, it forms a quinoid product (I would actually draw it for them - no need to know the name). Why the difference?


What is a rate of reaction? How can we calculate the rate of reaction?


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