Question

Compound A with the molecular formula (C3H8O) on oxidation gives compound B, which does not undergo Tollen’s test.

Answer 1

Tollen’s reagent is used to distinguish aldehydes from ketones. Aldehydes give positive test with tollen’s reagent, where as ketone does not undergo tollen’s test.

Isomeric forms of Molecular formula C₃H₈O are 1- propanol (CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-OH) and 2-propanol. Here 1-propanol is primary alcohol and 2-propanol is secondary alcohol. Primary alcohols on oxidation give aldehydes and secondary alcohols on oxidation gives ketones as products.

Therefore compound A is: 2-propanol (CH₃-CH(OH)CH₃)

Compound B is: acetone (CH₃-C(O)-CH₃)