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Ch.12 Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes, and Ketones
Timberlake - Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry 14th Edition
Timberlake14thChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9781292472249Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 12, Problem 16d

Identify each of the following compounds as an aldehyde or a ketone:
d. Chemical structure of a compound showing a carbonyl group attached to a benzene ring and a propyl chain, indicating an aldehyde.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Examine the structure of the compound provided in the image. Look for the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O), which is a characteristic feature of both aldehydes and ketones.
Determine the position of the carbonyl group within the molecule. If the carbonyl group is attached to a terminal carbon (at the end of the carbon chain), the compound is an aldehyde. If it is attached to a non-terminal carbon (within the chain), the compound is a ketone.
Check for any additional groups or substituents attached to the carbonyl carbon. This can help confirm whether the compound is an aldehyde or a ketone.
Recall that aldehydes typically have the general formula R-CHO, where R is a hydrocarbon group or hydrogen, and ketones have the general formula R-CO-R', where R and R' are hydrocarbon groups.
Based on the analysis of the structure and the position of the carbonyl group, classify the compound as either an aldehyde or a ketone.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Aldehyde

An aldehyde is an organic compound characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) at the end of a carbon chain. The general formula for aldehydes is RCHO, where R represents a hydrocarbon group. Aldehydes are typically more reactive than ketones due to the accessibility of the carbonyl group, making them important in various chemical reactions and synthesis.
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Ketone

A ketone is an organic compound that contains a carbonyl group (C=O) situated between two carbon atoms, making it distinct from aldehydes. The general formula for ketones is RC(=O)R', where R and R' are hydrocarbon groups. Ketones are generally less reactive than aldehydes and are commonly found in solvents and as intermediates in organic synthesis.
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Carbonyl Group

The carbonyl group is a functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O). It is a key feature in both aldehydes and ketones, influencing their chemical properties and reactivity. The position of the carbonyl group within a molecule determines whether it is classified as an aldehyde (terminal) or a ketone (internal), which is crucial for identifying these compounds.
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