Slide 1: Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids

  • This topic is part of the Organic Chemistry section.
  • Aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids are important functional groups.
  • They contain the carbonyl group (-C=O) which plays a key role in their reactivity.
  • The presence of the carbonyl group leads to characteristic properties and reactions.
  • We will study the structure, nomenclature, and reactions of aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.

Slide 2: Structure of Aldehydes

  • Aldehydes have a carbonyl group at the end of the carbon chain.
  • The general formula for aldehydes is R-CHO, where R represents an alkyl or aryl group.
  • The carbon atom attached to the carbonyl group is called the alpha carbon.
  • The carbonyl carbon is sp2 hybridized, with a trigonal planar geometry.
  • Aldehydes can have various substituents attached to the alpha carbon.

Slide 3: Nomenclature of Aldehydes

  • IUPAC names of aldehydes are derived from the parent alkane or benzene name.
  • The suffix “-al” is added to indicate the presence of an aldehyde functional group.
  • For example, formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde and its IUPAC name is methanal.
  • Aldehydes can also be named as derivatives of carboxylic acids, using the “-oyl” suffix.
  • Common names, such as acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde, are often used for some aldehydes.

Slide 4: Examples of Aldehydes

  • Examples of aldehydes include formaldehyde (methanal), acetaldehyde (ethanal), and benzaldehyde.
  • Formaldehyde is a gas at room temperature and is commonly used as a disinfectant and preservative.
  • Acetaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor that is used in the production of plastics and resins.
  • Benzaldehyde has a characteristic almond-like odor and is used in the production of flavors and fragrances.

Slide 5: Structure of Ketones

  • Ketones have a carbonyl group in the middle of the carbon chain.
  • The general formula for ketones is R-CO-R’, where R and R’ represent alkyl or aryl groups.
  • The carbonyl carbon is sp2 hybridized, with a trigonal planar geometry.
  • Ketones can have different alkyl or aryl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon.

Slide 6: Nomenclature of Ketones

  • IUPAC names of ketones are derived from the parent alkane name.
  • The suffix “-one” is added to indicate the presence of a ketone functional group.
  • The carbon atoms attached to the carbonyl group are numbered, starting with the lowest number.
  • For example, the ketone with a three-carbon chain is called propanone (common name: acetone).
  • Ketones can also be named as derivatives of carboxylic acids, using the “-oyl” suffix.

Slide 7: Examples of Ketones

  • Examples of ketones include acetone (propanone), methylethyl ketone (butan-2-one), and benzophenone.
  • Acetone is a common solvent and is used in the production of plastics, fibers, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Methylethyl ketone has industrial applications as a solvent and in the production of paints and coatings.
  • Benzophenone is used in the production of sunscreens and as a photo-initiator in polymerization reactions.

Slide 8: Structure of Carboxylic Acids

  • Carboxylic acids have a carboxyl group at the end of the carbon chain.
  • The general formula for carboxylic acids is R-COOH, where R represents an alkyl or aryl group.
  • The carboxyl group consists of a carbonyl group (-C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH).
  • The carbonyl carbon is sp2 hybridized, with a trigonal planar geometry.
  • Carboxylic acids can have various substituents attached to the alpha carbon.

Slide 9: Nomenclature of Carboxylic Acids

  • IUPAC names of carboxylic acids are derived from the parent alkane or benzene name.
  • The suffix “-oic acid” is added to indicate the presence of a carboxylic acid functional group.
  • The carbon atoms attached to the carboxyl group are numbered, starting with the lowest number.
  • For example, the carboxylic acid with a three-carbon chain is called propanoic acid.
  • Carboxylic acids can also be named as derivatives of other carboxylic acids, using the “-oyl” suffix.

Slide 10: Examples of Carboxylic Acids

  • Examples of carboxylic acids include formic acid (methanoic acid), acetic acid (ethanoic acid), and benzoic acid.
  • Formic acid is found in the venom of certain ants and has industrial applications as a reducing agent.
  • Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar and is used in the production of plastics and solvents.
  • Benzoic acid is used as a food preservative and has applications in the production of dyes and pharmaceuticals.
  1. Addition of Sodium Hydrogen
  • Aldehydes and ketones can react with sodium hydrogen (NaH) to form alcohols.
  • The reaction involves the addition of hydrogen to the carbonyl group.
  • The general equation for the reaction is: R-CHO (or R-CO-R’) + NaH → R-CH2OH (or R-C(OH)-R’) + NaX
  • NaX represents the sodium salt (X-) produced as a byproduct of the reaction.
  • Example: Propanal + NaH → Propan-2-ol + NaX
  1. Addition of Water (Hydration)
  • Aldehydes and ketones can react with water to form hydrates.
  • The reaction involves the addition of water to the carbonyl group.
  • The general equation for the reaction is: R-CHO (or R-CO-R’) + H2O → R-CH(OH)2 (or R-C(OH)(OH)-R')
  • The reaction is usually catalyzed by an acid or base.
  • Example: Ethanal + H2O → Ethane-1,2-diol
  1. Reduction to Alcohols
  • Aldehydes and ketones can be reduced to form alcohols.
  • The reaction involves the addition of hydrogen to the carbonyl group.
  • Various reducing agents can be used, such as sodium borohydride (NaBH4) or lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4).
  • The general equation for the reaction is: R-CHO (or R-CO-R’) + H2 (or H2 + catalyst) → R-CH2OH (or R-C(OH)-R')
  • Example: Propanal + NaBH4 → Propan-1-ol
  1. Oxidation to Carboxylic Acids
  • Aldehydes can be oxidized to form carboxylic acids.
  • Ketones, on the other hand, are resistant to oxidation due to the absence of a hydrogen atom on the carbonyl carbon.
  • Various oxidizing agents can be used, such as potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or acidified dichromate (Cr2O72-).
  • The general equation for the oxidation of aldehydes is: R-CHO + [O] → R-COOH
  • Example: Ethanal + [O] → Ethanoic acid
  1. Aldol Condensation
  • Aldehydes and ketones can undergo aldol condensation to form β-hydroxy aldehydes or β-hydroxy ketones.
  • The reaction involves the combination of two carbonyl compounds followed by a dehydration step.
  • The general equation for the reaction is: R1-CHO + R2-COH (or R1-CO-R2) → R1-CH(OH)-CHO (or R1-CH(OH)-C(O)-R2)
  • The reaction is usually catalyzed by a base.
  • Example: Propanal + Propanone → 2-Hydroxy-2-methylpentanal
  1. Cannizzaro Reaction
  • Aldehydes which do not have an α-hydrogen atom can undergo a self-disproportionation reaction, known as Cannizzaro reaction.
  • The reaction involves the oxidation of one molecule of aldehyde to a carboxylic acid and reduction of another molecule to an alcohol.
  • The reaction is usually carried out in the presence of a strong base like NaOH or KOH.
  • Example: Benzaldehyde + NaOH → Benzoic acid + Benzyl alcohol
  1. Clemmensen Reduction
  • Ketones can be reduced to alkanes using the Clemmensen reduction.
  • The reaction involves the treatment of the ketone with zinc amalgam and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
  • The reaction is carried out under high temperature and pressure conditions.
  • The general equation for the reduction is: R-CO-R’ + 2HCl + Zn → R-CH2-R’ + ZnCl2 + H2
  • Example: Propanone + HCl + Zn → Propane
  1. Wolff-Kishner Reduction
  • Ketones can also be reduced to alkanes using the Wolff-Kishner reduction.
  • The reaction involves the treatment of the ketone with hydrazine (N2H4) followed by heating with a strong base, usually potassium hydroxide (KOH).
  • The reaction is carried out under high temperature conditions.
  • The general equation for the reduction is: R-CO-R’ + 2N2H4 → R-CH2-R’ + N2 + 4H2O
  • Example: Propanone + N2H4 → Propane + N2 + 4H2O
  1. Esters: Preparation and Reactions
  • Esters are formed by the condensation reaction between carboxylic acids and alcohols.
  • This reaction is known as esterification and is catalyzed by an acid (commonly sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid).
  • The general equation for esterification is: R-COOH + R’-OH → R-COOR’ + H2O
  • Esters can undergo various reactions, such as hydrolysis, saponification, and Fischer esterification.
  • Example: Ethanoic acid + Ethanol → Ethyl acetate + Water
  1. Hydrolysis of Esters
  • Esters can undergo hydrolysis in the presence of water or a dilute acid or base.
  • The reaction can be either acid or base catalyzed.
  • In acid hydrolysis, the ester is converted back to the carboxylic acid and alcohol.
  • In base hydrolysis (saponification), the ester is converted to the corresponding carboxylate ion and alcohol.
  • Example: Ethyl acetate + Water (or NaOH) → Ethanoic acid (or Sodium acetate) + Ethanol
  1. Acidity of Carboxylic Acids
  • Carboxylic acids are weak acids due to the presence of the carboxyl group.
  • They can ionize to release a hydrogen ion (H+) and form a carboxylate ion.
  • The ionization constant (Ka) of a carboxylic acid determines its acidity.
  • Ka is a measure of the extent to which the acid donates H+ ions in solution.
  • Examples:
    • Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak acid with a Ka of 1.8 x 10^-5.
    • Benzoic acid (C6H5COOH) is also a weak acid with a Ka of 6.3 x 10^-5.
  1. Reactions of Carboxylic Acids
  • Carboxylic acids can undergo various reactions due to the presence of the carboxyl group.
  • Some common reactions include:
    • Esterification: Formation of an ester by reacting with an alcohol.
    • Acid/Base Reactions: Reacting with bases to form carboxylate salts.
    • Decarboxylation: Loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) to form a lower-carbon compound.
    • Reduction: Conversion to an alcohol by the addition of hydrogen.
    • Substitution: Replacing a hydrogen atom in the carboxyl group with another atom or group.
  • Examples: Ethanoic acid + Ethanol → Ethyl acetate (esterification)
  1. Nomenclature of Carboxylic Acids
  • IUPAC names of carboxylic acids are derived from the parent alkane or benzene name.
  • The suffix “-oic acid” is added to indicate the presence of a carboxylic acid functional group.
  • The carbon atoms attached to the carboxyl group are numbered, starting with the lowest number.
  • For example, the carboxylic acid with a three-carbon chain is called propanoic acid.
  • Carboxylic acids can also be named as derivatives of other carboxylic acids, using the “-oyl” suffix.
  1. Examples of Carboxylic Acids
  • Many carboxylic acids exist in nature and are found in various substances.
  • Examples include:
    • Acetic acid: Found in vinegar and used in the food industry.
    • Butyric acid: Present in rancid butter and responsible for its odor.
    • Citric acid: Found in citrus fruits and used as a flavoring agent.
    • Salicylic acid: Used in skincare products for its exfoliating properties.
    • Benzoic acid: Used as a food preservative and found in fruits and spices.
  1. Nomenclature of Aldehydes
  • IUPAC names of aldehydes are derived from the parent alkane or benzene name.
  • The suffix “-al” is added to indicate the presence of an aldehyde functional group.
  • For example, formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde and its IUPAC name is methanal.
  • Aldehydes can also be named as derivatives of carboxylic acids, using the “-oyl” suffix.
  • Common names, such as acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde, are often used for some aldehydes.
  1. Examples of Aldehydes
  • Examples of aldehydes include formaldehyde (methanal), acetaldehyde (ethanal), and benzaldehyde.
  • Formaldehyde is a gas at room temperature and is commonly used as a disinfectant and preservative.
  • Acetaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor used in the production of plastics and resins.
  • Benzaldehyde has a characteristic almond-like odor and is used in the production of flavors and fragrances.
  1. Nomenclature of Ketones
  • IUPAC names of ketones are derived from the parent alkane name.
  • The suffix “-one” is added to indicate the presence of a ketone functional group.
  • The carbon atoms attached to the carbonyl group are numbered, starting with the lowest number.
  • For example, the ketone with a three-carbon chain is called propanone (common name: acetone).
  • Ketones can also be named as derivatives of carboxylic acids, using the “-oyl” suffix.
  1. Examples of Ketones
  • Examples of ketones include acetone (propanone), methylethyl ketone (butan-2-one), and benzophenone.
  • Acetone is a common solvent and is used in the production of plastics, fibers, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Methylethyl ketone has industrial applications as a solvent and in the production of paints and coatings.
  • Benzophenone is used in the production of sunscreens and as a photo-initiator in polymerization reactions.
  1. Reactions of Aldehydes and Ketones
  • Aldehydes and ketones can undergo various reactions due to the presence of the carbonyl group.
  • Some common reactions include:
    • Addition of Sodium Hydrogen: Formation of alcohols.
    • Addition of Water (Hydration): Formation of hydrates.
    • Reduction to Alcohols: Addition of hydrogen.
    • Oxidation to Carboxylic Acids: Conversion to carboxylic acids.
    • Aldol Condensation: Formation of β-hydroxy aldehydes or ketones.
    • Cannizzaro Reaction: Self-disproportionation reaction of certain aldehydes.
    • Clemmensen Reduction: Reduction of ketones to alkanes using zinc amalgam.
    • Wolff-Kishner Reduction: Reduction of ketones to alkanes using hydrazine.
  1. Summary
  • Aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids are important functional groups in organic chemistry.
  • Aldehydes have a carbonyl group at the end of the carbon chain, while ketones have it in the middle.
  • Carboxylic acids have a carboxyl group at the end of the carbon chain.
  • These functional groups exhibit characteristic properties and reactions.
  • Naming conventions for aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids follow IUPAC guidelines.
  • Examples and equations were provided to illustrate different reactions and nomenclature.
  • Understanding the structure and reactivity of these functional groups is essential for organic chemistry.