Question

Why ketones do not give Tollens test?

Answer 1

Tollens test:

1. The Tollens test is also known as the silver mirror test.
2. It is a qualitative laboratory test that determines the difference between an aldehyde and a ketone.

Ketones:

1. Aldehydes result in a positive Tollens test, but ketones do not, Because of their structure, ketones do not react with Fehling's or Tollens' reagents.
2. The H atom is not directly linked to the carbonyl group in a ketone.
3. Thus, ketones are not readily oxidized whereas aldehydes are.

Hence, ketones do not give Tollens test.