Aldehyde vs. Ketones Terminal group
Formaldehyde
Aldehydes and ketones are two important classes of organic compounds that are differentiated based on the presence of a carbonyl functional group (-C=O) in their structure. Aldehydes have a terminal group (-CHO) at one end of the carbon chain, while ketones have a carbonyl group (-CO-) in the middle of the carbon chain.
The aldehyde functional group is characterized by a carbonyl group (-C=O) that is attached to a hydrogen atom (-H) and a carbon atom (-C) that is also attached to a hydrogen atom and an R-group (alkyl or aryl group). The R-group can be any organic compound that contains a carbon atom bonded to the carbonyl carbon atom. The aldehyde terminal group (-CHO) is located at the end of the carbon chain.
On the other hand, the ketone functional group is characterized by a carbonyl group (-C=O) that is attached to two carbon atoms (-C-) on either side. The two carbon atoms are bonded to the carbonyl carbon atom and two R-groups (alkyl or aryl groups) that can be same or different. The ketone group (-CO-) is located within the carbon chain.
In summary, the main difference between aldehydes and ketones is the location of the carbonyl group in their structures. Aldehydes have a terminal group (-CHO) at one end of the carbon chain, while ketones have a carbonyl group (-CO-) in the middle of the carbon chain.
More Answers:
Alkanes: Characteristics, Properties, and ReactionsIUPAC Naming of Methanal: Importance of Following Naming Conventions for Aldehydes
Naming Cyclic Aldehydes: A Step-by-Step Guide for Nomenclature and Prefixes.