Question

Which group is this? 

 

• A. Ketone
• B. Carboxylic acid
• C. Aldehyde
• D. Amide

Hint:

Aldehydes always contain a terminal carbonyl carbon ($\text{C}=\text{O}$) bonded to hydrogen, whereas ketones contain a non-terminal carbonyl carbon bonded to other carbons.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Organic compounds are classified into families based on their functional groups, which determine their chemical reactivity.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- The molecular structure shown is formaldehyde ($\text{CH}_2\text{O}$), the simplest member of the carbonyl compounds.
- It consists of a carbonyl group ($\text{C}=\text{O}$) double-bonded to carbon, which is single-bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
- Compounds containing a carbonyl carbon bonded to at least one hydrogen atom ($\text{R}-\text{CHO}$) belong to the aldehyde group.
- In contrast, ketones have the carbonyl carbon bonded to two carbon groups ($\text{R}-\text{CO}-\text{R}'$), carboxylic acids have a hydroxyl group ($\text{R}-\text{COOH}$), and amides have an amino nitrogen ($\text{R}-\text{CONH}_2$).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The chemical structure shown belongs to the aldehyde group.