Tuesday, July 4, 2017

safety - Is Tollen's test safe?


Tollen's test is an important test to distinguish between aldehyde and ketone.


$$\ce{2 [Ag(NH3)2]+ + RCHO + H2O → 2 Ag(s) + 4 NH3 + RCO2H + 2 H+}$$


But is this reaction safe? Is there any threat in the formation of silver nitride (fulminating silver)? It is formed when the products of most of the reaction of silver($\ce{I}$) salts are kept aside undisturbed. It act as a potential explosive or a contact explosive. If there is any threat in the formation of silver nitride, what precaution must be taken to prevent it?



Answer



The Tollen's test is safe, but silver amine solutions should be prepared as needed just before use. The formation of explosive silver nitride is a slow process and can be prevented by treating the solution with mineral acid after use.


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