ALDEHYDES Meaning and
Definition
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Aldehydes are a group of organic compounds that contain a carbonyl group (-CHO) as their functional group. They are characterized by the presence of a carbon atom attached to a hydrogen atom and a double bond with an oxygen atom. This functional group gives aldehydes their distinct properties.
Aldehydes can be either aromatic or aliphatic, depending on the nature of the carbon backbone to which the carbonyl group is attached. Aromatic aldehydes have a benzene ring as part of their structure, while aliphatic aldehydes have a linear or branched carbon chain.
These compounds are highly reactive due to the presence of the carbonyl group, which makes aldehydes prone to undergo a wide range of chemical reactions. They readily undergo oxidation reactions, forming carboxylic acids. Aldehydes can also react with nucleophiles, such as amines or alcohols, to form imines or acetals, respectively.
Aldehydes have a distinct odor, with some compounds like formaldehyde having a pungent smell. They are often used commercially as fragrances or flavoring agents in perfumes, cosmetics, and food products. Some aldehydes, such as formaldehyde, are also utilized as disinfectants or preservatives due to their antimicrobial properties.
In nature, aldehydes can be found in various sources, including plant and animal species, as well as in certain foods. They play essential roles in biological processes such as metabolism and signaling.
Common Misspellings for ALDEHYDES
Etymology of ALDEHYDES
The word "aldehydes" is derived from the Latin word "alcohol dehydrogenatus", which means "dehydrogenated alcohol". This term was coined by the German chemist Justus von Liebig in 1835 to describe a class of organic compounds that are derived from alcohols by removing two hydrogen atoms. The prefix "alde-" in "aldehydes" refers to the presence of an aldehyde group, which consists of a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen atom (forming a carbonyl group) and single bonded to a hydrogen atom.
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