Which of the following will give a positive test with Tollens' reagent?
A) aldehydes
B) carboxylic acids
C) both a and b
D) neither a nor b

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tollens' reagent is a mild oxidizing agent that can oxidize aldehydes to carboxylic acids. When Tollens' reagent is added to an aldehyde, the aldehyde is oxidized to a carboxylic acid and the Tollens' reagent (a silver ion complex) is reduced to metallic silver, which is deposited as a mirror on the inside of the test tube or flask. Carboxylic acids do not give a positive test with Tollens' reagent.

Which of the Following Will Give a Positive Test with Tollens