Answer:
Tollens' reagent will be able to distinguish between 1- pentyne and 2- pentyne.
Explanation:
Tollens' reagent: a solution of silver nitrate and ammonia (Ag(NH₃)₂OH), and its test is known as Tollens' test or silver mirror test.
In 1-pentyne, CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-C≡CH, the terminal C≡C bond has acidic hydrogen (H⁺) . When the reagent is added, the acidic hydrogen (H⁺) is replaced by Ag⁺, giving a white precipitate.
CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-C≡CH + [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺ → CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-C≡CAg + NH₃ + NH₄⁺
In 2-pentyne, CH₃-CH₂-C≡C-CH₃, the C≡C bond is present in the middle of the chain and has no acidic hydrogen attached to it, hence it does not give the silver mirror test.
CH₃-CH₂-C≡C-CH₃ + [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺ → NO REACTION
Conclusion:
Tollens' test is given by 1-pentyne only.