Aldehydes and Ketones

What is the functional group of an aldehyde/ ketone?

A carbonyl group (C-O double bond)

How are aldehydes commonly formed?

Initial oxidation of primary alcohols

How are carboxylic acids formed from alcohols?

Complete oxidation of primary alcohols

Give the equation for the initial oxidation of a primary alcohol.

Alcohol + [O] —→ Aldehyde + H₂O

Give the equation for the oxidation of an aldehyde.

Aldehyde + [O] —→ Carboxylic acid 

Give the equation for the complete oxidation of a primary alcohol.

Alcohol + 2[O] —→ Carboxylic acid + H₂O

How are ketones commonly formed?

Oxidation of secondary alcohols

Describe how to test for an aldehyde.

Add tollens reagent and heat in a water baths for 10 minutes

If an aldehyde is present, a silver mirror is formed

State the reducing agent used to form alcohols from aldehydes and ketones.

NaBH₄

State the name of the mechanism used to reduce aldehydes and ketones.

Nucleophilic addition

What condition is required for nucleophilic addition?

Aqueous

Describe the process of nucleophilic addition.

1. The H- ion is attracted to the delta positive carbon

2. The electrons in the C-O double bond move to the O and it becomes negative

3. The H+ ion in the water is attracted to the lone pair of electrons on the O forming the alcohol

How are hydroxynitriles formed?

Nucleophilic addition with a cyanide ion

Describe how to name a hydroxynitrile.

Include the carbon of the CN in the main chain and label it as the first carbon

Then name the rest of the molecule