The silver mirror test with Tollens’ reagent

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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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