12. ALDEHYDES, KETONES AND CARBOXYLIC ACIDS

3. Answer in brief.

i. Observe the following equation of reaction of Tollens’  reagent with aldehyde. How do we know that a redox reaction has taken place. Explain.

\[\ce{R-CHO + 2Ag(NH_{3})^{+}_{2} + OH^{-}->[\triangle] R-CO{O}^{-} + 2Ag↓ + 4NH3 + 2H2O}\]

Answer:-

  1. Oxidation of Aldehyde (R-CHO): The aldehyde (R-CHO) is oxidized to a carboxylate ion (R-COO-). This is evident by the change in the oxidation state of carbon in the aldehyde group from a lower oxidation state to a higher one.

  2. Reduction of Silver Ions (Ag+): Silver ions (Ag+) in the Tollens’ reagent are reduced to form solid silver (Ag↓). The silver ions gain electrons to become solid silver. The formation of a solid substance (Ag↓) from silver ions (Ag+) indicates a reduction reaction.

  3. Formation of Water: Water (H2O) is one of the products formed during the reaction, and it is a common product in redox reactions.

  4. Change in the Oxidation States: The change in the oxidation states of different elements in the reaction indicates that electron transfer has occurred. In the aldehyde, carbon goes from a lower oxidation state to a higher one, indicating oxidation, while silver ions go from a higher oxidation state to zero, indicating reduction.

 

12. ALDEHYDES, KETONES AND CARBOXYLIC ACIDS page 281