Question

Identify the functional group.

$\mathrm{HCHO}$

Answer 1

Definition of functional group

A functional group is a collection of atoms within molecules that bind together to react in probable ways. Examples of functional groups include the group hydroxyl, ketone, amine, and ether.

Definition of Aldehyde

• organic compounds in which a carbon atom shares a double bond with an oxygen atom, a single bond with a hydrogen atom, and a single bond with another atom or group of atoms (R)
• Present in sweet-smelling plants like rose and citronella.
• The chemical formula for an aldehyde is $\mathrm{RCHO}$.
• R represents a hydrogen atom or carbon/hydrogen chain, CO represents the carbonyl, and H represents the hydrogen attached to the carbonyl chain.

For example,

Name	Formula
Formaldehyde / Methanal	$\mathrm{HCHO}$
Acetaldehyde / Ethanal	${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{CHO}$

$\therefore \mathrm{HCHO}$ or methanal is also known as formaldehyde the first member of the aldehyde family.