In the molecular formula of methanal, -HCHO, the functional group is -CHO, then what is the alkyl group? Please explain.

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Solution

aldehyde has the functional group -CHO. The general formula is CnH2n+1CHO.
the first member of the alkyl group is CH3- with one carbon atom.
so if n=1 the formula we get is **C1H21+1CHO that is CH3CHO.
we get HCHO formula if n=0 that is C0H20+1CHO** which produces HCHO having no alkyl group in the formula.

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