Chapter 20.3, Problem 1RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The similarity between aldehydes and ketones and a method to distinguish them is to be written.

Concept Introduction:The carbon compounds with -CHO functional group are called aldehydes and the compounds with -CO- group present with alkyl groups at both sides are called ketones.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The similarity between the aldehydes and ketones is that both possess the -CO-(carbonyl) group. Aldehydes and ketones can be distinguished by the silver mirror test in which aldehyde will give silver precipitate with ammoniacal silver nitrate while ketone will give no precipitate.

Explanation of Solution

The similarity of functional group parts in aldehydes and ketones is due to both being carbonyl groups primarily. Silver mirror test is given by the aldehydes only because ammoniacal silver nitrate is a weak oxidising agent which cannot oxidise ketones due to ketones having alkyl groups at both sides which reduces the reactivity of the oxygen atom.