is fehlings or tollens better to test for the presence of propanal?
I'm doing a research project for aqa practical 6 and I cant find anything to see which would be better to use. I need to say which one I'm using and why I'm not using the other one.
I'm also asked why sodium shouldn't be used to test for alcohols, please help!
I'm also asked why sodium shouldn't be used to test for alcohols, please help!
Reply 1
Original post
by jarofstarrzI'm doing a research project for aqa practical 6 and I cant find anything to see which would be better to use. I need to say which one I'm using and why I'm not using the other one.
I'm also asked why sodium shouldn't be used to test for alcohols, please help!
I'm also asked why sodium shouldn't be used to test for alcohols, please help!
I’d say Tollen’s test is better - Fehling’s reagent fails for some aldehydes, benzaldehyde being a noteable example. If you go on to study chemistry further, you will understand why benzaldehyde doesn’t respond to Fehling’s test.
Sodium doesn’t just react with alcohols - residual water in the substance tested could react with it, carboxylic acids react (violently) with sodium too, and sodium’s reactivity means it’s probably not a terribly safe reagent to use.
Reply 2
This is what I think and suggest.
Fehling's solution is a reliable way for detecting propanal, especially when you need a broad test for aldehydes. However, for a more specific and sensitive test for propanal, Tollens' reagent proves to be the better option.
Here's a short memo of the reactions:
Fehling's solution:
Tollens' reaction:
Sandro
EDIT: When you work, in the lab, with these reagents, follow proper safety protocols and handling procedures at all times.
Supplement:
Fehling's solution is a reliable way for detecting propanal, especially when you need a broad test for aldehydes. However, for a more specific and sensitive test for propanal, Tollens' reagent proves to be the better option.
Here's a short memo of the reactions:
Fehling's solution:
Tollens' reaction:
Sandro
EDIT: When you work, in the lab, with these reagents, follow proper safety protocols and handling procedures at all times.
Supplement:
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 3
9
Original post
by NitrotolueneThis is what I think and suggest.
Fehling's solution is a reliable way for detecting propanal, especially when you need a broad test for aldehydes. However, for a more specific and sensitive test for propanal, Tollens' reagent proves to be the better option.
Here's a short memo of the reactions:
Fehling's solution:
Tollens' reaction:
Sandro
EDIT: When you work, in the lab, with these reagents, follow proper safety protocols and handling procedures at all times.
Fehling's solution is a reliable way for detecting propanal, especially when you need a broad test for aldehydes. However, for a more specific and sensitive test for propanal, Tollens' reagent proves to be the better option.
Here's a short memo of the reactions:
Fehling's solution:
Tollens' reaction:
Sandro
EDIT: When you work, in the lab, with these reagents, follow proper safety protocols and handling procedures at all times.
Thanks so much this was super helpful!
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