[sharbeldam]

It reacts with alcohols and it also reacts with ketone to give geminal dihalide, but can someone go deeper into the reaction with ketone? does it release gas or change color? can PCl5 be used to test for ketones? id be really happy for detailed answer

[rolnor]

I would say no. Its better with IR or NMR.

[billnotgatez]

I would say no. Its better with IR or NMR.

@rolnor
just curious
What do you think could be done without the nice machines

[rolnor]

You can use 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine as test for ketones and aldehydes, it shows yellow-orange spots on TLC.

[Meter]

You can use 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine as test for ketones and aldehydes, it shows yellow-orange spots on TLC.

I remember doing this as one of my first organic labs. Then Tollens test was used to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones.

[rolnor]

Also Shiffś reagent is selective for aldehydes;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schiff_test