Question

what are the uses of ketone and aldehyde in everyday life

Answer 1

Uses of Aldehydes and Ketones

Formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde whereas acetone is the smallest ketone. There are a number of aldehydes and ketones which find application due to their chemical properties. Some uses of Aldehydes and Ketones are discussed in the points below.

Uses of Aldehydes

Formaldehyde is a gas. With 40% solution in water, it forms Formalin which is used in preserving biological specimens.

Formaldehyde is used in embalming, tanning, preparing glues and polymeric products, as germicides, insecticides, and fungicides for plants. It is also used in drug testing and photography.

When reacted with phenol, formaldehyde forms Bakelite, which is used in plastics, coatings, and adhesives.

Acetaldehyde is largely used for the production of acetic acid and pyridine derivatives.

Benzaldehyde is used in perfumes, cosmetic products, and dyes. It is added to provide almond flavor to food products and also used as a bee repellent.

Uses of Ketones

The most common ketone is acetone which is an excellent solvent for a number of plastics and synthetic fibers.

In the household, acetone is used as a nail paint remover and paint thinner.

In medicine, it is used in chemical peeling and for acne treatments.

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), chemically butanone, is a common solvent. It is used in the production of textiles, varnishes, plastics, paint remover, paraffin wax, etc.

MEK is also used as a welding agent for plastics due to its dissolving properties.

Cyclohexanone is another important ketone which is primarily used in the production of nylon.