Custom Search

What are aldehydes?

A compound with a carbon atom which is bonded to a hydrogen atom and double-bonded to an oxygen atom. This is found on the end of the chain, ketones have this carbon in the middle (no H either).

Nomenclature-The name is formed by changing the suffix -e of the parent alkane to -al, so that HCHO is named methanal, and CH₃CH₂CH₂CHO is named butanal.

Examples- to see the names highlight name left of the structure

Expanded Structure	Name
	ethanal
	propanal

Synthesis

A primary alcohol reacts with an oxidizing agent to make an aldehyde

         R-OH + Ox. Agent→ RH=O

Example

1-Propanol is oxidized to propanal

CH₃CH₂CH₂OH + Ox. Agent—→ CH₃CH₂CHO

on to Ketones

back to Organic Links

Chemical Demonstration Videos