Question

Differentiate between ketones and aldehydes.

Answer 1

Let's look first at how ketones and aldehydes are similar.

1. They both contain the characteristic carbonyl group in their structure. { Remember: A carbonyl group is composed of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom [C=O]. }
2. They both have an R group bonded to the carbon of the carbonyl group [R-C=O]. {Remember: An R group can be a carbon-hydrogen chain, also called alkyl or aryl group}

However, they are different in one detail:

1. In ketones: The other side of the carbon in the carbonyl group is also bonded to an R group (can be the same kind or a different kind of a carbon-hydrogen chain).
2. In aldehydes: The other side of the carbon in the carbonyl group is always bonded to just Hydrogen

Regarding -enols: When we convert the the carbonyl group into into an -OH group, we get an enol.