The functional group that can be identified through Tollens’ reagent test is:
Correct Answer :
Aldehyde
Solution :
The Tollens’ reagent consists of a solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3) in ammonia, which forms the diamminesilver(I) complex [Ag(NH3)2]+. This reagent is a mild oxidizing agent.
When an aldehyde is added to Tollens’ reagent, the aldehydic carbonyl carbon is oxidized to a carboxylate ion while the silver(I) ion is reduced to metallic silver (Ag). The metallic silver deposits on the walls of the test tube, producing a characteristic “silver mirror” on the interior surface.
Reaction (simplified):
Key points that allow us to identify the functional group:
1. **Aldehydes** possess the –CHO group, which is readily oxidizable under mild conditions. The Tollens’ test exploits this property, giving a positive result (silver mirror).
2. **Phenols** and **alcohols** contain –OH groups attached to aromatic rings or saturated carbons, respectively. These groups are not oxidized by Tollens’ reagent, so no silver mirror forms.
3. **Carboxylic acids** already represent the fully oxidized form of an aldehyde; they cannot be further oxidized by this mild reagent, and thus also give a negative result.
Therefore, the only functional group among the options that yields a positive Tollens’ test is the aldehyde group.
**Conclusion:** The functional group identifiable by the Tollens’ reagent test is the aldehyde.
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