Question

What functional group is common to both aldehydes and ketones?

Short answer

The common functional group present in both aldehydes and ketones is the carbonyl group, which is characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom: \(\ce{C=O}\).

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the functional group in Aldehydes

Aldehydes are organic compounds whose functional group contains a carbonyl bond, with the general formula RCHO. In this formula, "R" represents an alkyl or aryl group, and "CHO" represents the carbonyl group, which consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom: \[ \ce{C=O} \].

Identifying the functional group in Ketones

Ketones are another group of organic compounds that also contain a carbonyl bond, but with the general formula RCOR'. In this formula, "R" and "R'" represent alkyl or aryl groups, and "CO" represents the carbonyl group: \[ \ce{C=O} \].

Determine the common functional group

Both aldehydes and ketones share the same carbonyl functional group, which is characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom: \[ \ce{C=O} \]. This is the common functional group present in both types of compounds.