El reactivo de Tollens: de la identificación de aldehídos a su uso en nanotecnología. Aspectos históricos y aplicaciones didácticas.

Abstract

A short biography of the German chemist Bernhard Tollens (1841-1918) is included, which highlights his works in the study of the structure and analysis of organic compounds. His exemplary involvement in teaching activities on agricultural chemistry with students from many different countries is also emphasized. The characteristics of the reagent invented by him, known by his name, are described. The Tollens’ reagent reacts with aldehydes, providing one of the most attractive experience lab works of undergraduate students of Organic Chemistry: the formation of a “silver mirror”. Finally, suggestions about the possible use (in research and educational activities) of the Tollens’ reagent for the preparation of silver nanoparticles with importance in various applications are discussed.