– suffix al- Common names include * formaldehyde for methanal (R = H)* Acetyldehyde for ethanal ( R = CH3)* Propionaldehyde for propanal (R = CH3CH2)
The suffix “-al” in organic chemistry is commonly used to denote aldehydes
The suffix “-al” in organic chemistry is commonly used to denote aldehydes. Aldehydes are a type of organic compound that contain a carbonyl group (-C=O) bonded to at least one hydrogen atom (-H) and one carbon atom. The general formula for an aldehyde is RCHO, where R represents an alkyl or aryl group. Aldehydes are characterized by the presence of the carbonyl group at the end of a carbon chain.
Here are some common names of aldehydes using the suffix “-al”:
1. Formaldehyde: The common name for the aldehyde represented by the formula CH2O is formaldehyde. Its systematic name is methanal. In this compound, R is H, so it is the simplest possible aldehyde. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and is commonly used as a disinfectant, preservative, and in the production of various chemicals.
2. Acetaldehyde: The common name for the aldehyde represented by the formula CH3CHO is acetaldehyde. Its systematic name is ethanal. In this compound, R is CH3, making it a methyl group attached to the carbonyl group. Acetaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor and is primarily used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals.
3. Propionaldehyde: The common name for the aldehyde represented by the formula CH3CH2CHO is propionaldehyde. Its systematic name is propanal. In this compound, R is CH3CH2, making it an ethyl group attached to the carbonyl group. Propionaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor and is mainly used as a precursor for the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and plasticizers.
It is worth mentioning that while common names are widely used, they may not provide information about the chemical structure of a compound. Systematic names, on the other hand, follow a set of rules defined by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and provide a more precise description of the compound’s structure. In scientific literature, systematic names are preferred for clear communication.
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