Table of Contents
What Are Aldehydes? ;
Aldehydes are a type of organic compound that contain a carbon-oxygen double bond. This carbon-oxygen double bond is responsible for the aldehyde’s characteristic carbonyl group. The carbonyl group is responsible for the aldehyde’s characteristic smell and taste.
What are Ketones?
Ketones are a type of organic compound that is produced when the body breaks down fat for energy. They are also produced in the liver during periods of fasting or starvation. Ketones can be used by the body for energy, or they can be excreted in the urine.
General Structure of an Aldehyde
Aldehydes are organic compounds that contain a carbon-oxygen double bond and a carbon-hydrogen single bond. The carbon atom in an aldehyde is bonded to one hydrogen atom and one oxygen atom. The carbon-oxygen double bond is called a carbonyl group. The aldehyde group is a functional group that is responsible for the aldehyde’s characteristic properties.
Nomenclature of Aldehydes
In IUPAC nomenclature, an aldehyde is named by replacing the -e ending of the alkane name with -al. For example, CH3-CH2-OH is named methanal, while CH3-CHO is named ethanal. If there is more than one aldehyde present, the one with the lower molecular weight is given the prefix a- (e.g. a-methanal, a-ethanal)
General Structure of a Ketone
The general structure of a ketone is shown below.
A ketone is a molecule that has a carbonyl group (C=O) and at least one other alkyl group.
Nomenclature of Ketones
There are three types of ketones:
–Acetone
Acetone is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid ketone that is produced and used as a solvent. It is the simplest ketone and has the formula CH3COCH3.
Acetone is a common solvent and is used in industry to produce plastics, fibers, and other synthetic materials. It is also used as a solvent in the production of drugs, explosives, and other chemicals.
Acetone is a flammable liquid and can be ignited by a spark or heat. It is also a powerful irritant and can cause skin and eye irritation. Acetone can also be harmful if swallowed.
-Acetoacetic acid
Acetoacetic acid is an organic compound with the formula CH3COCH2COOH. It is the simplest carboxylic acid, and is a weak acid. The molecule consists of a methyl group, a carbon double bond to an oxygen, and a carboxylic acid group. It is a colorless liquid that is soluble in water.
Acetoacetic acid is produced in the body by the oxidation of acetoacetate. It is the main ketone body in the blood, and is responsible for the ketone breath smell. Acetoacetic acid is also a precursor to acetone, which is a solvent and is a major component of nail polish remover.
Acetoacetic acid is used as a solvent and in the production of plastics, resins, and other synthetic materials. It is also used as a flavoring agent in foods.
-Beta-hydroxybutyric acid
Beta-hydroxybutyric acid is a chemical compound that is produced when the body breaks down a fatty acid. It is also known as butyric acid. Beta-hydroxybutyric acid is used to make energy in the body. It is also a building block for other chemicals in the body.
