Acetal, R2C(OR′)2

Definition

An acetal is an organic compound characterized by the functional group R2C(OR′)2, where two ether groups are attached to the same carbon atom. This structure forms through a nucleophilic addition reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with an alcohol.

Related terms

Aldehyde:

An organic compound containing a carbonyl center (C=O) bonded to hydrogen and another carbon atom.

Ketone:

Organic compounds characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) attached to two carbon atoms.

Nucleophilic Addition Reaction: A type of chemical reaction where a nucleophile forms a bond with an electrophile, leading to the addition of atoms or groups to a molecule