How is a positive Tollens' test recognized?

1 Answer
May 21, 2016

Most of the time it is fairly clear.

Explanation:

Usually very easily..

I used to like doing this reaction as it is easy to do, and the results can be sometimes quite beautiful (and explained in the link, the reaction has a very important practical application).

You can also practise the reaction. Use benzaldehyde, AND butanone, sprinkle a few drops into separatate test tubes, and then perform the tests. In this experiment, you know which is which, and you know which is the aldehyde. Use clean test tubes for the reaction.