Tollens' test (silver mirror) for aldehydes (Aldehyde oxidized to carboxylate; Ag⁺ reduced to silver metal (mirror))

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Aldehyde oxidized to carboxylate; Ag⁺ reduced to silver metal (mirror)

What each symbol means

SymbolWhat it stands for
RCHOAliphatic or aromatic aldehyde

When to use this

Ammoniacal silver nitrate, basic; warming; ketones generally do not give Tollens (except α-hydroxy ketone edge cases sometimes taught as exceptions).