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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of an aldehyde functional group?
A
A carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom
B
A carbon atom bonded to a nitrogen atom and two hydrogen atoms
C
A carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group
D
A carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydrogen atom
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of an aldehyde functional group. An aldehyde is characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group, which is a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom.
Recognize that in an aldehyde, the carbonyl carbon is also bonded to a hydrogen atom. This distinguishes aldehydes from ketones, where the carbonyl carbon is bonded to two other carbon atoms.
Review the options provided in the problem. The correct characteristic of an aldehyde is a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydrogen atom.
Eliminate the incorrect options: A carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom describes a nitrile group, and a carbon atom bonded to a nitrogen atom and two hydrogen atoms describes an amine group.
Confirm that the correct answer matches the definition of an aldehyde, which is a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydrogen atom.