Chemistry Unit: Aldehydes, Ketones, and Acids

Study Notes

Aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids are key classes of carbonyl compounds in organic chemistry.
They are essential in various applications including fabrics, flavourings, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.

Learn to write both common and IUPAC names for aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.
Understand the structural representation of compounds containing carbonyl (>C=O) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups.
Explore methods of preparation and reactions specific to these organic compounds.
Analyze the relationship between physical properties, chemical reactions, and structures of aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.
Explain mechanisms of notable reactions involving aldehydes and ketones.
Examine factors influencing the acidity of carboxylic acids and their reactions.
Identify uses of aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids in industry and daily life.

Carbonyl group features a carbon double-bonded to oxygen (>C=O), vital in organic chemistry.
Aldehydes have a carbonyl group attached to at least one hydrogen atom, while ketones attach the carbonyl to two carbon atoms.
Carboxylic acids have a carbonyl bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH).

Aldehydes: Common names derived from corresponding carboxylic acids by replacing “-ic acid” with “-aldehyde”. Naming locations of substituents use Greek letters (α, β, γ, δ).
Ketones: Common names consist of two alkyl or aryl groups around the carbonyl; position is also indicated by Greek letters.

Aldehydes and ketones are prevalent in plants and animals, contributing to biochemical processes and natural fragrances.
Examples of fragrant compounds include:
- Vanillin from vanilla beans
- Salicylaldehyde from meadow sweet
- Cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon
Used in food products, pharmaceuticals, solvents (like acetone), and manufacturing of adhesives, paints, resins, and plastics.