it is know as the silver mirror test, the overall half equation reaction is =>
CH2O + 2OH- ==> CH2O2 + H2O +2e-
[Ag(NH3)2]+ + e- ==> Ag + 2NH3
CH2O + 2OH- + 2[Ag(NH3)2]+ ==> CH2O2 H2O + 2Ag +4NH3
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The reaction of formaldehyde with Tollens' reagent will result in the formation of a silver mirror on the surface of the test tube. This occurs because formaldehyde acts as a reducing agent, reducing the silver ions in Tollens' reagent to form solid silver. This reaction is often used as a qualitative test for the presence of aldehydes.
You will need to balance out the equation to find out the reaction. A new chemical compound is going to form.
The oxidation product formed from formaldehyde in the Tollens test is formic acid (HCOOH). The reaction involves the oxidation of formaldehyde by silver ions in the Tollens reagent to produce a silver mirror.
To distinguish between propanol and propanone, you can use the iodoform test. Propanone will give a positive iodoform test forming a yellow precipitate, while propanol will not react. For benzaldehyde and benzoic acid, adding NaHCO3 will effervesce with benzoic acid but not with benzaldehyde due to acidity. To differentiate between propanoic chloride and propanoic acid, adding water will form propanoic acid (carboxylic acid) while propanoic chloride (acid chloride) will liberate HCl gas forming a white precipitate. The key reactions involved are iodoform reaction (C3H6O +I2 + NaOH) and acid-base reactions with sodium bicarbonate and water.