JAMB Chemistry 2008 Question 40

Question 40

Alkanals and Alkanones

If the silver mirror test is positive, it indicates the presence of an

  1. A.alkyne
  2. B.alkanol
  3. C.alkanone
  4. D.alkanal.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (alkanal.)

Explanation

Alkanals (aldehydes) reduce Tollens' reagent to metallic silver, forming a mirror; alkanones do not.