– suffix al- Common names include * formaldehyde for methanal (R = H)* Acetyldehyde for ethanal ( R = CH3)* Propionaldehyde for propanal (R = CH3CH2)
The suffix “al” is commonly found in the names of aldehydes
The suffix “al” is commonly found in the names of aldehydes. Aldehydes are a class of organic compounds that contain a carbonyl group (-C=O) bonded to at least one hydrogen atom and a carbon atom. In aldehydes, the carbonyl group is always found at the terminal or end position of a carbon chain.
Some examples of aldehydes and their common names are:
1. Methanal: The common name for methanal is formaldehyde. It is represented by the chemical formula HCHO, where the “H” refers to hydrogen and “CHO” represents the methanal functional group. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and is used in various industries, including as a disinfectant and preservative.
2. Ethanal: The common name for ethanal is acetaldehyde. It is represented by the chemical formula CH3CHO, where “CH3” indicates a methyl group and “CHO” represents the ethanal functional group. Acetaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor and is commonly used as a starting material in the synthesis of various chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
3. Propanal: The common name for propanal is propionaldehyde. It is represented by the chemical formula CH3CH2CHO, where “CH3CH2” indicates a propyl group and “CHO” represents the propanal functional group. Propionaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor and is used as a flavoring agent in the food industry.
It is worth noting that while the names “formaldehyde”, “acetaldehyde”, and “propionaldehyde” are commonly used, they are also acceptable systematic names according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature rules. The systematic names for the above examples would be methanal, ethanal, and propanal, respectively.
In summary, the suffix “al” in organic chemistry is used in common names to indicate aldehydes. The common names for some aldehydes include formaldehyde (methanal), acetaldehyde (ethanal), and propionaldehyde (propanal). These compounds are widely used in various industries and have distinct physical and chemical properties.
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Understanding the Distinction Between Aldehydes and Ketones: A Guide to their Terminal and Non-Terminal Functional Groups