The carbonyl group, C=O, is probably the most important functional group in organic chemistry, being widespread in nature and the key to many an organic synthesis. Aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, amino acids, amides, esters and related condensation polymers all contain a carbonyl group.
Aldehyde and ketone chemistry
Aldehydes and ketones are examples of carbonyl compounds.
In an aldehyde the carbonyl group, C=O, is bonded to at least one hydrogen, hence it is always found at the end of the carbon chain.
In a ketone the carbonyl group is bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups, hence it is always found in the middle of the carbon chain.
Naming carboxylic acids and their derivatives
Find out how to name carboxylic acids, esters, amides, acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides.
Why are carboxylic acids acidic?
All acids are proton donors and the more stable the resulting anion (in this case the carboxylate ion), the stronger the acid …
Making and breaking esters
Esters are a derivative of carboxylic acids and formed from an esterification reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
The reactions of acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides
Acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides are both more reactive than carboxylic acids, reacting with a wide range of nucleophiles and so are widely used in organic synthesis.