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Question: explain tollens reaction with diagram...

explain tollens reaction with diagram

Answer

The Tollens reaction involves the oxidation of an aldehyde to a carboxylate ion while simultaneously reducing the silver ion in Tollens reagent to form a silver mirror on the vessel wall.

Explanation

Solution

Solution Explanation:

  1. Tollens’ Reagent:

    • Prepared by adding aqueous ammonia to a solution of silver nitrate until a clear, colorless complex ion, [Ag(NH3)2]+[Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺, is formed.

  2. Reaction with Aldehydes:

    • Aldehydes are oxidized to the corresponding carboxylate ion.
    • The silver ion in the Tollens reagent is reduced to metallic silver, which deposits as a reflective "silver mirror" on the reaction vessel.

  3. Overall Reaction Equation:

    RCHO+2[Ag(NH3)2]++3OH−→RCOO−+2Ag(s)+4NH3+2H2O\text{RCHO} + 2[Ag(NH_3)_2]^+ + 3OH^- \rightarrow \text{RCOO}^- + 2Ag(s) + 4NH_3 + 2H_2O

Diagram (Reaction Flow):

Summary (Minimal Core):

  • Tollens Reagent: Ammoniacal silver nitrate, [Ag(NH3)2]+[Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺.

  • Reaction: Aldehyde oxidized → Carboxylate; Ag⁺ reduced → Metallic Silver (mirror).

  • Equation:

    RCHO+2[Ag(NH3)2]++3OH−→RCOO−+2Ag(s)+4NH3+2H2O\text{RCHO} + 2[Ag(NH_3)_2]^+ + 3OH^- \rightarrow \text{RCOO}^- + 2Ag(s) + 4NH_3 + 2H_2O