Chapter 14 Learning Guide: Aldehydes and Ketones

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to aldehydes and ketones.

Carbonyl Group

A functional group containing a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen atom.

Aldehyde

A compound containing a carbonyl group with at least one hydrogen attached to the carbonyl carbon.

Ketone

A compound containing a carbonyl group with two carbon atoms attached to the carbonyl carbon.

IUPAC Naming Convention for Aldehydes

Involves selecting the longest carbon chain containing the carbonyl, dropping the -e from the alkane name, and adding -al.

IUPAC Naming Convention for Ketones

Involves selecting the longest carbon chain including the carbonyl, dropping the -e from the alkane name, and adding -one.

Physical Properties of Aldehydes and Ketones

They have lower boiling points than alcohols of similar molecular weight but higher than alkanes due to polarity.

Reactivity of Aldehydes vs. Ketones

Aldehydes are more reactive and can be oxidized to carboxylic acids; ketones are less reactive.

Tollens' Reagent

A mild oxidizing solution containing Ag+ ions used to test for the presence of aldehydes.

Benedict's Reagent

A mild oxidizing solution containing Cu2+ ions used to test for the presence of aldehydes.

Hemiacetal

A compound that contains an —OH group, a hydrogen atom, and an —OR group on the same carbon.

Acetal

A compound that contains a carbon atom attached to a hydrogen and two —OR groups.

Hemiketal

Formed when a ketone reacts with an alcohol, containing both alkoxy and hydroxyl groups.

Ketal

Formed when a ketone reacts with an alcohol, containing two alkoxy groups.

Hydrolysis of Acetals and Ketals

Process where acetals and ketals can be converted back to aldehydes and ketones in the presence of water and acid.

Formaldehyde

The simplest aldehyde, a gas at room temperature, used as a disinfectant and in the production of plastics.

Acetone

A commonly used organic solvent, miscible with water, used in the production of coatings.

Biological Relevance of Carbonyls

The carbonyl functional group is common in biological compounds like hormones such as progesterone and testosterone.

Fragrant Aldehydes and Ketones

Some carbonyl compounds like vanillin and cinnamaldehyde are known for their aromatic properties and uses in flavoring.