ALDEHYDE KETONES & CARBOXYLIC ACID Handwritten Short Notes [PDF] 📚

Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids: A Comprehensive Overview

Aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids*are organic compounds that contain the carbonyl functional group (C=O). While they share this common feature, they differ in their structural arrangements and properties.

ALDEHYDE KETONES & CARBOXYLIC ACID Handwritten Short Notes [PDF] 📚

Aldehydes

Aldehydes are characterized by the carbonyl group being attached to a hydrogen atom. Their general formula is RCHO, where R is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group.

Examples of aldehydes:

Formaldehyde (HCHO)
Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO)
Benzaldehyde (C₆H₅CHO)

Ketones

Ketones also contain the carbonyl group, but it is attached to two hydrocarbon groups. Their general formula is RCOR', where R and R' are hydrocarbon groups.

Examples of ketones:

Acetone (CH₃COCH₃)
Cyclohexanone (C₆H₁₀O)

Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids possess the carbonyl group attached to a hydroxyl group (-OH). Their general formula is RCOOH.

Examples of carboxylic acids:

Formic acid (HCOOH)
Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)
Benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH)

Properties and Reactions

Physical Properties: Aldehydes and ketones are generally volatile liquids with pleasant odors. Carboxylic acids are usually higher-boiling liquids and have acidic properties due to the presence of the carboxyl group.

Chemical Reactions: All three compounds can undergo reactions such as nucleophilic addition, oxidation, and reduction. However, the specific reactions and products may vary depending on the structure of the molecule.

Uses: Aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids have various applications in industry and everyday life. For example, formaldehyde is used in the production of plastics and resins, while acetic acid is a component of vinegar.

FAQs

What is the difference between aldehydes and ketones?

Aldehydes have the carbonyl group attached to a hydrogen atom, while ketones have it attached to two hydrocarbon groups.

How can aldehydes and ketones be distinguished chemically?

Aldehydes can be oxidized to carboxylic acids using oxidizing agents like Tollen's reagent or Fehling's solution, while ketones do not undergo this reaction.