Aldehydes and Ketones

Learning goals:
1. An introduction to aldehydes and ketones.
2. The identification of aldehydes and ketones.
3. The different experiments applied to determine and distinguish between aldehydes and
ketones.

Hints:
 Aldehydes and ketones are related organic compounds since they contain a
carbonyl group.
 An aldehyde, its carbonyl group is attached to a carbon atom at the end of a
carbon chin and at least has one hydrogen atom attached to it.
 A ketone, its carbonyl group is attached to a carbon atom within the carbon chin.

 Both aldehydes and ketones have lower boiling points than alcohols.
 Methanol (formaldehyde) is used as a biological preservative (embalming).
 Propanone (acetone) is used as a solvent in various applications and as a cosmetic
product.