Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

15. Aldehydes and Ketones

Naming Ketones

GOB Chemistry

15. Aldehydes and Ketones

Naming Ketones

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Problem 52

Textbook Question

Many flavorings and perfumes are partially based on fragrant ketones, with far fewer being based on fragrant aldehydes. Why do you think ketones are used more frequently than aldehydes? See Section 15.5 for a clue.

Verified step by step guidance

Ketones and aldehydes are both carbonyl-containing compounds, but their chemical properties differ due to the groups attached to the carbonyl carbon. Ketones have two alkyl or aryl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon, while aldehydes have at least one hydrogen atom attached to the carbonyl carbon.

Aldehydes are generally more reactive than ketones because the hydrogen atom attached to the carbonyl carbon makes the carbonyl group more electrophilic. This increased reactivity can lead to aldehydes being more prone to oxidation and other chemical reactions.

Ketones, on the other hand, are less reactive because the two alkyl or aryl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon provide steric hindrance and electron-donating effects, which stabilize the carbonyl group.

The stability of ketones makes them more suitable for use in flavorings and perfumes, as they are less likely to undergo unwanted chemical reactions during storage or when exposed to air, light, or heat.

In contrast, aldehydes are more likely to oxidize to carboxylic acids or participate in other reactions, which can alter their fragrance or flavor properties over time. This is why ketones are preferred in these applications.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chemical Structure of Ketones and Aldehydes

Ketones and aldehydes are both organic compounds containing a carbonyl group (C=O), but they differ in their structure. Ketones have the carbonyl group located between two carbon atoms, while aldehydes have it at the end of a carbon chain. This structural difference influences their reactivity and stability, affecting their suitability as flavorings and perfumes.

Volatility and Odor Profile

Volatility refers to how readily a substance vaporizes, which is crucial for the effectiveness of flavorings and perfumes. Ketones generally have higher volatility compared to aldehydes, leading to stronger and more pleasant odors. This property makes ketones more desirable in the fragrance industry, as they can produce more intense and lasting scents.

Reactivity and Stability

The reactivity of ketones and aldehydes also plays a significant role in their use in flavorings and perfumes. Aldehydes are typically more reactive than ketones, which can lead to undesirable changes in scent over time. The greater stability of ketones allows them to maintain their fragrance longer, making them a preferred choice in the formulation of perfumes and flavorings.

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