Aldehydes & Ketones

What are aldehydes?

Aldehydes are organic functional groups that consist of a terminal carbonyl (C$=$O) bonded to a hydrogen; with the general molecular formula being $RCH=O$:

Figure 47.1: Aldehydes: The carbon bonded to the carbonyl carbon is called the $\alpha$ carbon and the hydrogen bonded to the $\alpha$ carbon is called the $\alpha$ hydrogen. The above molecule is propanal.

What are ketones?

Ketones are organic functional groups that consist of a carbonyl (C$=$O) that is bonded between two carbons; with the general molecular formula for ketones being $R_{1}COR_{2}$:

Figure 47.2: Ketone.