Phloroglucinol Hydrate Tablets: Uses, Mechanism & Tests

Phloroglucinol hydrate tablet is used as a reagent in the Tollens' reagent and Borntrager's test for the differentiation of aldehydes and ketones.

Principle:

Phloroglucinol is a 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene. The hydroxyl groups of phloroglucinol react with aldehydes and ketones to form condensation products. In Tollens' reagent, phloroglucinol reacts with aldehydes to form a red-violet colored product, while ketones give no color. In Borntrager's test, phloroglucinol reacts with ketones to form a yellow-orange colored product, while aldehydes give no color.

Procedure:

For Tollens' reagent test:

1. Add a few drops of the aldehyde or ketone solution to a test tube.

2. Add 2-3 drops of Tollens' reagent.

3. Heat the test tube gently.

For Borntrager's test:

1. Add a few drops of the aldehyde or ketone solution to a test tube.

2. Add 2-3 drops of Borntrager's reagent.

3. Heat the test tube gently.

Observations:

In Tollens' reagent:

- Aldehydes: Red-violet color

- Ketones: No color

In Borntrager's test:

- Aldehydes: No color

- Ketones: Yellow-orange color