The silver mirror test with Tollens’ reagent

In association with

Three glass tubes containing silver deposits resulting from Tollens' test, or the silver mirror test, used to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones

Source: © Shutterstock

Try this practical to explore the mirror-making reaction between silver nitrate (Tollens’ reagent) and glucose. Includes kit list, video and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students observe what happens when a solution containing silver nitrate (Tollens’ reagent) and a reducing sugar (glucose) react to form silver. As the silver is deposited, students can see a mirror-like coating forming on the inside of the reaction vessel.

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