Aldehydes and Ketones: Naming + Properties

chemistNATE2 minutes read

Aldehydes and ketones have a double bonded oxygen, with aldehydes having it at the end of the carbon chain and ketones in the middle. Naming differences include aldehydes ending in "Al" and ketones in "ONE," with aldehydes taking precedence in naming over alcohols.

Insights

  • Aldehydes and ketones differ in the position of the double-bonded oxygen: aldehydes have it at the end of the carbon chain, while ketones have it in the middle.
  • Aldehydes are named with an "Al" suffix and take naming precedence over alcohols, while ketones use "ONE" and require a number to indicate the oxygen's position, showing their higher polarity compared to alcohols.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • How are aldehydes and ketones structurally different?

    In aldehydes, the oxygen is at the end of the carbon chain, while in ketones, it's in the middle.

  • What is the naming convention for aldehydes and ketones?

    Aldehydes end with "Al," ketones end with "ONE," with a number indicating the position of the double bonded oxygen.

  • Which takes precedence in naming, aldehydes or alcohols?

    Aldehydes take precedence over alcohols in naming, with aldehydes named first when both are present.

  • Are aldehydes and ketones more polar than alcohols?

    Yes, aldehydes and ketones are more polar than alcohols, making them more soluble in water.

  • Why do aldehydes and ketones have lower boiling points?

    Aldehydes and ketones have lower boiling points due to the absence of hydrogen bonding present in alcohols.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Aldehydes and Ketones: Naming and Properties

  • Aldehydes and ketones are similar molecules with a double bonded oxygen, but in aldehydes, the oxygen is at the end of the carbon chain, while in ketones, it's in the middle.
  • Aldehydes are named similarly to alcohols but end with "Al," while ketones end with "ONE," with the main difference being the position of the double bonded oxygen.
  • Naming aldehydes involves counting the longest carbon chain and adding "Al" without needing a number, while for ketones, a number is necessary to indicate the position of the double bonded oxygen.
  • Aldehydes take precedence over alcohols in naming, and when both are present, the aldehyde is named first.
  • Aldehydes and ketones are more polar than alcohols, making them more soluble in water, but they have lower boiling and melting points due to the absence of hydrogen bonding present in alcohols.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.