Question
Question: The distinguishing test for acetone and acetaldehyde is:...
The distinguishing test for acetone and acetaldehyde is:
A
Lucas test
B
Tollen's test
C
Iodoform test
D
Fehling's test
Answer
(b)
Explanation
Solution
Acetaldehyde is an aldehyde, while acetone is a ketone. Aldehydes are easily oxidized by mild oxidizing agents like Tollen's reagent and Fehling's solution, whereas ketones generally are not. Both acetaldehyde and acetone contain the CH₃CO- group, so they both give a positive iodoform test, making it unsuitable for differentiation. The Lucas test is for alcohols and not applicable here. Therefore, Tollen's test (or Fehling's test) can distinguish between them.