Silver is most commonly found in the +1 oxidation state and is easily reduced to silver metal.Ag+(aq) + e- → Ag(s) standard electrode potential +0.80VThis reaction is used to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones. Ammonia solution is added to silver nitrate to form the colourless complex [Ag(NH3)2]+. When added to aldehydes in the presence of OH- ions it reacts to give silver metal.RCHO(aq) + 2[Ag(NH3)2]+ (aq) + 3OH- → RCOO- + 2Ag + 4NH3 + 2H2O