What is the general formula for a ketone?

The general formula for a ketone is R-CO-R' or R₂CO, where:

• R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups (can be the same or different)
• CO is the carbonyl group (C=O)

Key characteristics of ketones:

1. Functional group: The carbonyl group (C=O) is bonded to two carbon atoms
2. Structure: The carbon of the carbonyl group is sp² hybridized
3. Examples:

• Acetone: CH₃-CO-CH₃
• Butanone: CH₃-CO-CH₂CH₃
• Benzophenone: C₆H₅-CO-C₆H₅

This differs from aldehydes (R-CHO) where the carbonyl carbon is bonded to at least one hydrogen atom, and from carboxylic acids (R-COOH) where the carbonyl carbon is bonded to a hydroxyl group.