Carbonyl Compounds

Characteristics and Uses:

Aldehydes are currently used in the production of resins and plastics. Other aldehydes of
industrial significance are mainly used as solvents, perfumes, and flavouring agents or as
intermediates in the manufacture of dyes, and pharmaceuticals

Methanal (formaldehyde) – a colourless gas HCHO (m.p.-92°C, b.p.-21°C), soluble in

water
- is made by the catalytic oxidation of methanol (500°C, Ag catalyst) by air
- is used in making plastics

- FORMALIN is a colourless solution of methanal (40%)in water with methanol as

stabilizer. It is used as disinfectant and preservative for biological speciments.

- HEXAMETHYLENETETRAAMINE is formed by the condensation of methanal with

ammonia. It can be used in medcine or in making explosives (hexogene)

Ethanal (acetaldehyde) a colourless highly flammable liquid aldehyde (m.p.-121°C,

b.p.20.8°C),
- is made from ethene and used as a starting material for making many organic compounds.
- the compound polymerizes if dilute acid is added to give ethanal trimer (or paraaldehyde)

Benzaldehyde:
- a colorless liquid with a characteristic almond-like odor.
- The primary component of bitter almond oil, benzaldehyde can be extracted from a
number of other natural sources
- Synthetic benzaldehyde is the flavoring agent in imitation almond extract, which is used
to flavor cakes and other baked goods It is sometimes used in cosmetics products

- In industrial settings, benzaldehyde is used chiefly as a precursor to other organic

compounds, ranging from pharmaceuticals to plastic additives. The aniline dye malachite
green is prepared from benzaldehyde and dimethylaniline.

Toxicology studies indicate that it is safe and non-carcinogenic in the concentrations used for
foods and cosmetics, and may even have anti-carcinogenic properties.

For a 70  kg human, the lethal dose is estimated at 50 mL. An acceptable daily intake of
15  mg/day has been identified, Benzaldehyde does not accumulate in human tissues, It is
metabolized and then excreted in urine.

The simplest ketone, propanone, is commonly called acetone. Acetone is a common organic
solvent that was one used in most in products such as nail polish remover, paint remover, and
varnish remover but has largely been replaced by other solvents. Some also use acetone to
manufacture plastics, lacquers, and textiles…