Aldehyde vs. Ketones Terminal group
Formaldehyde
Aldehydes and ketones are two classes of organic compounds that contain a carbonyl group (C=O) in their structure. The difference between the two lies in the location of the carbonyl group on the carbon chain.
Aldehydes have the carbonyl group at the end or terminal of a hydrocarbon chain. For example, formaldehyde (HCHO) consists of a single hydrogen atom attached to the carbonyl carbon and nothing else. It has the simplest aldehyde structure. Another example is acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) which has a methyl group attached to the carbonyl carbon.
Ketones, on the other hand, have the carbonyl group situated in the middle of the carbon chain, meaning it is not found at the end of the molecule. For example, acetone (CH3COCH3) has the carbonyl group located between two identical methyl groups.
The terminal location of the carbonyl group on aldehydes makes them more reactive than ketones. Aldehydes also tend to have more pronounced odours than ketones, and are often used as flavouring agents in foods and perfumes. In contrast, ketones tend to be less reactive, more stable and are used in solvents, polymers and pharmaceuticals.
More Answers:
Alkanes: Properties, Applications, and Chemical ReactionsMethanal: Common and Systematic nomenclature of Formaldehyde
How to Name Cyclic Aldehydes: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples