Tollen's Test (Silver Mirror)

RCHO + 2Ag(NH3)2+ + 2OH → RCOO + 2Ag + 4NH3 + H2O

Genel Bakış

Tollens' reagent (silver-ammonia complex) is reduced to metallic silver by aldehydes, producing a silver mirror on the test tube walls. The aldehyde is oxidized to a carboxylate. This test distinguishes aldehydes from ketones, as ketones cannot be easily oxidized. It was historically used for mirror manufacturing.

Katılımcılar

Rol Madde Katsayı Hal
Ürün Water H₂O 1 (l)
Ürün Silver Ag 2 (s)
Ürün Ammonia NH₃ 4 (aq)

Günlük Örnek

The silver mirror test creates a beautiful reflective coating on glass, and this chemistry was actually used to make mirrors commercially.

Endüstriyel Önemi

Tollens' test is used in organic chemistry for aldehyde identification. Silver mirror manufacturing by chemical reduction is still used for high-quality mirrors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Tollen's Test (Silver Mirror)?
The balanced equation is: RCHO + 2Ag(NH₃)₂⁺ + 2OH⁻ → RCOO⁻ + 2Ag + 4NH₃ + H₂O.
What type of reaction is Tollen's Test (Silver Mirror)?
Tollen's Test (Silver Mirror) is a redox reaction.
Is Tollen's Test (Silver Mirror) exothermic or endothermic?
Tollen's Test (Silver Mirror) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -135.0 kJ/mol.