What is the specific chemical role of sodium potassium tartrate (Rochelle salt) in Fehling's solutio — Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Fehling's reagent is highly alkaline. In the absence of a chelating agent, $Cu^{2+}$ ions would immediately precipitate out as insoluble $Cu(OH)_2$. Sodium potassium tartrate coordinates with the $Cu^{2+}$ ions, keeping them soluble in the basic solution so they can interact with and oxidize the aldehyde.