Learn about Aldehydes Ketones & Carboxylic Acid - Chemistry Short Notes

Aldehydes Ketones & Carboxylic Acid

Aldehydes

  • Functional Group: CHO (carbonyl group attached to a hydrogen atom)
  • General Formula: RCHO (R is a hydrocarbon group)
  • Examples: Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde
  • Properties:
    • Reactive due to the polar carbonyl group
    • Undergo nucleophilic addition reactions
    • Can be oxidized to carboxylic acids
    • Have a characteristic odor (often pungent)

Ketones

  • Functional Group: CO (carbonyl group attached to two hydrocarbon groups)
  • General Formula: RCOR' (R and R' are hydrocarbon groups)
  • Examples: Acetone, butanone, cyclohexanone
  • Properties:
    • Less reactive than aldehydes due to the steric hindrance of the two hydrocarbon groups
    • Undergo nucleophilic addition reactions
    • Cannot be oxidized to carboxylic acids
    • Often used as solvents

Carboxylic Acids

  • Functional Group: COOH (carboxyl group)
  • General Formula: RCOOH (R is a hydrocarbon group)
  • Examples: Acetic acid, formic acid, benzoic acid
  • Properties:
    • Acidic due to the presence of the carboxyl group
    • Can form salts with bases
    • Undergo esterification reactions
    • Have a sour taste

Key Differences

FeatureAldehydesKetonesCarboxylic Acids
Functional GroupCHOCOCOOH
ReactivityMore reactiveLess reactiveAcidic
OxidationOxidized to carboxylic acidsCannot be oxidizedDo not undergo oxidation
ExamplesFormaldehyde, acetaldehydeAcetone, butanoneAcetic acid, formic acid

Note: These are just a few key points about aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. 


Learn about Aldehydes Ketones & Carboxylic Acid - Chemistry Short Notes

Learn about Aldehydes Ketones & Carboxylic Acid - Chemistry Short Notes

Learn about Aldehydes Ketones & Carboxylic Acid - Chemistry Short Notes