Abstract When conducting silver mirror reaction under equal concentration conditions, the reaction rate of acetaldehyde is significantly faster than that of glucose, but the uniformity and glossiness of the resulting silver mirror are inferior to those formed by glucose reaction. To investigate the effect of hydroxyl groups in glucose molecules on the silver mirror reaction, aldehyde solutions containing hydroxyl groups such as ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol were added to the reaction system for comparison. The experimental results indicate that both the hydroxyl groups in the organic structure and the hydroxyl groups in the solution environment have a significant impact on the rate of silver mirror reaction and the adhesion effect of silver mirrors. The experimental results and related conclusions can provide reference for the teaching of silver mirror reaction in high school chemistry.
YU Yan-Li. Exploring the Effects of Material Structure and Solvent Effects on Chemical Reactions: Influence of Hydroxyl Groups on Silver Mirror Reactions[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2026, 47(5): 100-104.
