Notes on Aldehydes and Ketones
The carbonyl group is the common functional group in aldehydes and ketones.
Based on the structures then, the simplest aldehyde has one carbon and the simplest ketone has three
carbons.
Because of this common functional group, the reactions aldehydes and ketones undergo are the same
but with slight differences. The reactions these set of compounds undergo are nucleophilic addition
reactions. But because an H (a small atom) is attached to the carbonyl carbon, aldehydes undergo
addition reactions readily compared to ketones.
Most aldehydes and ketones have strong odors. The odors of ketones are generally pleasant, and many
of them are used in perfumes and as flavoring agents.
Preparation of Aldehydes
1. Oxidation of 1°ROH
2. Reduction of acyl chlorides
The carbonyl group is the common functional group in aldehydes and ketones.
Based on the structures then, the simplest aldehyde has one carbon and the simplest ketone has three
carbons.
Because of this common functional group, the reactions aldehydes and ketones undergo are the same
but with slight differences. The reactions these set of compounds undergo are nucleophilic addition
reactions. But because an H (a small atom) is attached to the carbonyl carbon, aldehydes undergo
addition reactions readily compared to ketones.
Most aldehydes and ketones have strong odors. The odors of ketones are generally pleasant, and many
of them are used in perfumes and as flavoring agents.
Preparation of Aldehydes
1. Oxidation of 1°ROH
2. Reduction of acyl chlorides
