Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Ketones are organic compounds characterized by a carbonyl group ($C=O$) bonded to two carbon atoms. They are commonly found in sugars and are used in various chemical reactions.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The general formula for ketones is $RC(=O)R'$ where $R$ and $R'$ are alkyl or aryl groups.
Ketones can be synthesized by the oxidation of secondary alcohols.
Acetone (propanone) is one of the simplest and most common ketones.
Ketones are less reactive than aldehydes due to the electron-donating effects of alkyl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon.
In ketoses, which are a type of sugar, the carbonyl group is located within the carbon chain rather than at the end.
Review Questions
Related terms
Aldehydes: Organic compounds containing a carbonyl group ($C=O$) bonded to at least one hydrogen atom and an alkyl or aryl group.
Carboxylic Acids: Organic acids characterized by a carboxyl group ($COOH$) which includes both a carbonyl ($C=O$) and hydroxyl ($OH$) group attached to the same carbon atom.
Esters: Organic compounds derived from carboxylic acids where the hydroxyl ($OH$) group is replaced by an alkoxy ($OR$) group.