Question:

The aldehyde that does not respond to Fehling’s test is

Show Hint

Note that Tollen's reagent (ammoniacal silver nitrate) is reduced by both aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes, but Fehling's solution only works for aliphatic ones.
Updated On: Apr 29, 2026
  • methanal
  • ethanal
  • propanal
  • butanal
  • phenylmethanal
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Fehling's test is used to distinguish between aliphatic aldehydes and aromatic aldehydes/ketones.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

Fehling's solution contains \(Cu^{2+}\) ions. Aliphatic aldehydes can reduce these ions to a red precipitate of cuprous oxide (\(Cu_2O\)).
However, aromatic aldehydes (like benzaldehyde, also known as phenylmethanal) do not have enough reducing power to reduce Fehling's solution.
- Options (A), (B), (C), and (D) are all aliphatic aldehydes and will give a positive test.
- Option (E) Phenylmethanal (\(C_6H_5CHO\)) is an aromatic aldehyde and will not respond to the test.

Step 4: Final Answer:

Phenylmethanal does not respond to Fehling's test.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0