Aldehyde

Definition

Aldehydes are organic compounds that have a carbonyl group located at the end of the carbon skeleton. They are represented by the structural formula R-CHO.

Related terms

Ketone:

A similar compound to aldehydes but with the carbonyl group in the middle rather than at the end, like a book placed in between others on a shelf.

Formaldehyde: The simplest form of aldehyde where R (the rest part) is hydrogen (H).

Acetaldehyde: An aldehyde where R is methyl (-CH3), often associated with hangovers after alcohol consumption.