MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #389

When an aldehyde is warmed with Tollens' reagent, a silver mirror forms. Which complex ion is responsible for this oxidation reaction?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #389

  1. Question 1

    Q1. When an aldehyde is warmed with Tollens' reagent, a silver mirror forms. Which complex ion is responsible for this oxidation reaction?

    • A) [Ag(NH3)2]+
    • B) Ag+
    • C) [Cu(NH3)4]2+
    • D) Ag(NH3)Cl

    Answer: [Ag(NH3)2]+

    Explanation: The active oxidizing species in Tollens' reagent is the diamminesilver(I) complex. Option B is wrong as it's the simple silver ion.