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

7659 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do buffer solutions work and how do you calculate the pH of a buffer solution?


At room temperature and pressure, the first 4 alkanes are all gases, but the first 4 alcohols are all liquids. Explain this.


What is the difference between intermolecular and intramolecular bonds.


Describe and explain the trend in atomic radii across the periodic table


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