Question

Which of the following will give a positive Tollens' test?

a. propanal

b. ethanol

c. ethyl methyl ether

Short answer

(a) The propanal will give a positive Tollens test.

(b) The ethanol will not give a positive Tollens test.

(c) The ethyl methyl ether will not give a positive Tollens test.

Step-by-step solution

Part (a) Step 1: Given Information

We need to find that whether the propanal will give tollens test or not

Part (b) Step 2: Explanation

We know that

Tollens test is given by aldehydes.

And as the given compound is an aldehyde

Therefore,

The given compound will give Tollens test.

Part (b) Step 1: Given information

We need to find that whether the ethanol will give tollens test or not

Part (b) Step 2: Explanation

We know that

Tollens test is given by aldehydes.

And as the given compound is alcohol

Therefore,

The given compound will not give Tollens test.

Part (c) Step 1: Given information

We need to find that whether the ethyl methyl ether will give tollens test or not

Part (c) Step 2: Explanation

We know that

Tollens test is given by aldehydes.

And as the given compound is ether

Therefore,

The given compound will not give Tollens test.