Carbonyl group

Definition

A carbonyl group is a functional group composed of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O). It is a key feature in various organic compounds including aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The carbonyl group is polar due to the difference in electronegativity between carbon and oxygen.
2. In aldehydes, the carbonyl group is bonded to at least one hydrogen atom.
3. In ketones, the carbonyl group is bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups.
4. Carboxylic acids contain a carbonyl group bonded to a hydroxyl group (-COOH).
5. Esters are formed when carboxylic acids react with alcohols and contain a carbonyl group bonded to an alkoxy group (-COOR).

Review Questions

• What is the general structure of a carbonyl group?
• How does the polarity of the carbonyl group affect its chemical reactivity?
• What differentiates an aldehyde from a ketone in terms of their structure?

Related terms

Aldehyde:

An organic compound containing a carbonyl group bonded to at least one hydrogen atom.

Ketone:

An organic compound containing a carbonyl group bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups.

Carboxylic Acid:

An organic compound containing both a carbonyl and a hydroxyl group (-COOH).