Introduction – Carbonyl Compounds

Common Aldehydes and Ketones:

Propanone (Acetone)– Chief use is a solvent since it
dissolves in both water and non-polar organics. May be present
in the urine of diabetics. Also used in fingernail polish remover.

Methanal (Formaldehyde) – Used to synthesize methanol
and many plastics such as Bakelite and Melmac. Has antiseptic
properties. Used in embalming and preservation of biological
specimens.

Ethanal (Acetaldehyde) – Used to synthesize many organics.
If heated with acid it polymerizes into paraldehyde which is
used as an hypnotic and sedative.

Butanal – Fragrance of fresh bread.

3-phenyl-2-propenal (Cinnamaldehyde) – Causes the odor
and flavor of cinnimon.

4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde (Vanillin) – Flavor
from vanilla beans.