Question

What structural feature distinguishes aldehydes from ketones?

Short answer

The structural feature that distinguishes aldehydes from ketones is the bonding pattern of the carbonyl carbon. In an aldehyde, the carbonyl carbon is bonded to a hydrogen atom and an alkyl or aryl group (R), represented as \(R - HC = O\). In a ketone, the carbonyl carbon is bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups (R1 and R2), represented as \(R_1 - C = O - R_2\).

Step-by-step solution

Introduce Aldehydes and Ketones

Aldehydes and ketones are organic compounds that both contain a carbonyl group as the main bonding site. A carbonyl group has the general structure C=O and can be represented as \(C = O\).

Describe an Aldehyde Group

An aldehyde group is a carbonyl compound where the carbonyl carbon is bonded to a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group (or aryl group) denoted by the symbol "R." Thus, the general structure of an aldehyde is \(R - HC = O\), where R refers to any alkyl or aryl group.

Describe a Ketone Group

A ketone group, on the other hand, is a carbonyl compound where the carbonyl carbon is bonded to two alkyl groups or aryl groups. The general structure of a ketone is \(R_1 - C = O - R_2\), where R1 and R2 are alkyl groups or aryl groups that can be the same or different.

Identify the Structural Feature that Distinguishes Aldehydes from Ketones

The structural feature that distinguishes aldehydes from ketones is the bonding pattern of the carbonyl carbon. In an aldehyde, the carbonyl carbon is bonded to a hydrogen atom and an alkyl or aryl group (R), while in a ketone, the carbonyl carbon is bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups (R1 and R2). This difference in bonding configuration causes aldehydes and ketones to exhibit unique chemical properties and reactivities.