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Physics Chemistry Biology

Class 12th (Chemistry) Chapters
1. Solutions 2. Electrochemistry 3. Chemical Kinetics
4. The D-And F-Block Elements 5. Coordination Compounds 6. Haloalkanes And Haloarenes
7. Alcohols, Phenols And Ethers 8. Aldehydes, Ketones And Carboxylic Acids 9. Amines
10. Biomolecules



Chapter 8 Aldehydes, Ketones And Carboxylic Acids



Nomenclature and Structure of Carbonyl Group

Nomenclature

Organic compounds containing the carbonyl group (>C=O) are called aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. Aldehydes have the carbonyl group bonded to a carbon and a hydrogen atom (R-CHO), while ketones have it bonded to two carbon atoms (R-CO-R'). Carboxylic acids feature a carboxyl group (-COOH).

Common Names: Derived from the name of the corresponding carboxylic acid by replacing '-ic acid' with '-aldehyde' (for aldehydes) or by naming the alkyl/aryl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon followed by 'ketone'. Greek letters (α, β, γ) denote positions relative to the carbonyl carbon.

IUPAC Names: Aldehydes are named 'alkanal' (replacing '-e' of alkane with '-al'), with the carbonyl carbon being C1. Ketones are named 'alkanone' (replacing '-e' with '-one'), numbered to give the carbonyl carbon the lowest possible number. Cyclic aldehydes use '-carbaldehyde' appended to the cycloalkane name, with the carbonyl carbon as C1.

Structure Of The Carbonyl Group

The carbonyl carbon is $sp^2$ hybridized, forming three sigma bonds in a trigonal planar geometry with bond angles around 120°. The fourth valence electron forms a $π$ bond with oxygen. The C=O bond is polar due to oxygen's higher electronegativity, making the carbonyl carbon electrophilic and the oxygen nucleophilic. This polarity results in significant dipole moments.



Preparation Of Aldehydes And Ketones

Aldehydes and ketones are synthesized through various methods:

Preparation Of Aldehydes And Ketones

Preparation Of Aldehydes

Preparation Of Ketones



Physical Properties

Lower aldehydes (up to C4) are gases with pungent odours. Higher members are liquids or solids with less pungent, often fragrant, odours. Boiling points increase with molecular mass and decrease with branching. Aldehydes and ketones have higher boiling points than hydrocarbons and ethers of similar mass due to dipole-dipole interactions but lower than alcohols due to the absence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Lower members (up to C4) are soluble in water due to hydrogen bonding with water molecules; solubility decreases with increasing hydrocarbon chain length.



Chemical Reactions

Aldehydes and ketones undergo reactions primarily involving the polar carbonyl group.

Nucleophilic Addition Reactions

The carbonyl carbon is electrophilic and susceptible to attack by nucleophiles. The reaction involves addition across the C=O bond, changing hybridization from $sp^2$ to $sp^3$. Aldehydes are generally more reactive than ketones due to less steric hindrance and greater electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon.

Reduction

Oxidation

Aldehydes are easily oxidized to carboxylic acids by mild oxidants (Tollens' reagent, Fehling's reagent) and strong oxidants. Methyl ketones (with $CH_3$ adjacent to C=O) undergo oxidation at the methyl group with hypohalites (haloform reaction), yielding a carboxylate and haloform ($CHI_3$). Ketones are generally resistant to oxidation, requiring vigorous conditions that cleave C-C bonds.

Reactions Due To A-Hydrogen

The hydrogen atoms on the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group (α-hydrogens) are acidic due to resonance stabilization of the resulting carbanion. This facilitates:

Other Reactions



Uses Of Aldehydes And Ketones

Aldehydes and ketones have numerous industrial and commercial uses. Formaldehyde (formalin) is used for preserving specimens and in resins (bakelite) and adhesives. Acetaldehyde is a starting material for acetic acid and polymers. Benzaldehyde is used in perfumes and dyes. Acetone and methyl ethyl ketone are common industrial solvents. Many aldehydes and ketones contribute to fragrances and flavors.



Nomenclature And Structure Of Carboxyl Group

Nomenclature

Carboxylic acids contain the carboxyl group (-COOH). Common names are derived from their sources or Latin/Greek names, ending in '-ic acid'. IUPAC names are formed by replacing the '-e' of the parent alkane with '-oic acid'. Numbering starts from the carboxyl carbon (C1). For dicarboxylic acids, suffixes like '-edioic acid' are used, with locants indicating -COOH positions.

Structure Of Carboxyl Group

The carboxyl group consists of a carbonyl (C=O) and a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to the same carbon. The C=O bond is polar, and the O-H bond is acidic. Resonance occurs between the carbonyl group and the hydroxyl group, stabilizing the carboxylate anion formed upon deprotonation. The carboxyl carbon is $sp^2$ hybridized, resulting in a planar structure with bond angles around 120°.



Methods Of Preparation Of Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids can be synthesized through several routes:

From Primary Alcohols And Aldehydes

Primary alcohols and aldehydes are readily oxidized to carboxylic acids using strong oxidizing agents like $KMnO_4$ or $K_2Cr_2O_7$. Mild oxidants (like Tollens' or Fehling's reagent) oxidize aldehydes but not alcohols.

From Alkylbenzenes

Alkyl side chains on aromatic rings are oxidized to carboxyl groups using strong oxidants ($KMnO_4$, $CrO_3$), regardless of the side chain's length (except tertiary alkyl groups).

From Nitriles And Amides

Hydrolysis of nitriles ($R-C \equiv N$) or amides ($R-CONH_2$) in acidic or basic conditions yields carboxylic acids.

From Grignard Reagents

Reaction of Grignard reagents ($R-MgX$) with carbon dioxide ($CO_2$, dry ice), followed by acid hydrolysis, yields carboxylic acids with one more carbon atom than the original alkyl halide.

From Acyl Halides And Anhydrides

Hydrolysis of acyl halides ($R-COCl$) or acid anhydrides ($ (RCO)_2O $) readily yields carboxylic acids.

From Esters

Hydrolysis of esters ($R-COOR'$) under acidic or basic conditions yields carboxylic acids (or their salts).



Physical Properties

Lower aliphatic carboxylic acids (up to C9) are liquids with unpleasant odours; higher acids are solids with low volatility. They have higher boiling points than alcohols of similar molecular mass due to stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding and dimer formation. Lower members are miscible with water due to hydrogen bonding, but solubility decreases with increasing hydrocarbon chain length. They are soluble in organic solvents.



Chemical Reactions

Carboxylic acids exhibit reactions due to cleavage of O-H and C-O bonds, and reactions involving the -COOH group itself.

Reactions Involving Cleavage Of O–H Bond

Reactions Involving Cleavage Of C–O Bond

The C-O bond cleavage occurs in alcohols but is difficult in phenols due to resonance and $sp^2$ hybridization of the carbon atom.

Reactions Involving –COOH Group

Substitution Reactions In The Hydrocarbon Part

Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky Reaction: Carboxylic acids with an α-hydrogen undergo halogenation at the α-position using $Cl_2$ or $Br_2$ in the presence of red phosphorus, forming α-halo carboxylic acids.



Uses Of Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids have various uses: Methanoic acid in rubber and textile industries; Ethanoic acid as a solvent and in vinegar; Hexanedioic acid for nylon-6,6 production; Esters of benzoic acid in perfumery; Sodium benzoate as a food preservative; Higher fatty acids for soaps and detergents.



Intext Questions



Question 8.1. Write the structures of the following compounds.

(i) $α$-Methoxypropionaldehyde

(ii) 3-Hydroxybutanal

(iii) 2-Hydroxycyclopentane carbaldehyde

(iv) 4-Oxopentanal

(v) Di-sec. butyl ketone

(vi) 4-Fluoroacetophenone

Answer:

Question 8.2. Write the structures of products of the following reactions;

(i) Chemical reaction for part (i).

(ii) Chemical reaction for part (ii).

(iii) Chemical reaction for part (iii).

(iv) Chemical reaction for part (iv).

Answer:

Question 8.3. Arrange the following compounds in increasing order of their boiling points.

$CH_3CHO, CH_3CH_2OH, CH_3OCH_3, CH_3CH_2CH_3$

Answer:

Question 8.4. Arrange the following compounds in increasing order of their reactivity in nucleophilic addition reactions.

(i) Ethanal, Propanal, Propanone, Butanone.

(ii) Benzaldehyde, p-Tolualdehyde, p-Nitrobenzaldehyde, Acetophenone.

Hint: Consider steric effect and electronic effect.

Answer:

Question 8.5. Predict the products of the following reactions:

(i) Chemical reaction for part (i).

(ii) Chemical reaction for part (ii).

(iii) Chemical reaction for part (iii).

(iv) Chemical reaction for part (iv).

Answer:

Question 8.6. Give the IUPAC names of the following compounds:

(i) Chemical reaction for part (i).

(ii) Chemical reaction for part (ii).

(iii) Chemical reaction for part (iii).

(iv) Chemical reaction for part (iv).

Answer:

Question 8.7. Show how each of the following compounds can be converted to benzoic acid.

(i) Ethylbenzene

(ii) Acetophenone

(iii) Bromobenzene

(iv) Phenylethene (Styrene)

Answer:

Question 8.8. Which acid of each pair shown here would you expect to be stronger?

(i) $CH_3CO_2H$ or $CH_2FCO_2H$

(ii) $CH_2FCO_2H$ or $CH_2ClCO_2H$

(iii) $CH_2FCH_2CH_2CO_2H$ or $CH_3CHFCH_2CO_2H$

(iv) Chemical reaction for part (iv).

Answer:



Exercises



Question 8.1. What is meant by the following terms ? Give an example of the reaction in each case.

(i) Cyanohydrin

(ii) Acetal

(iii) Semicarbazone

(iv) Aldol

(v) Hemiacetal

(vi) Oxime

(vii) Ketal

(viii) Imine

(ix) 2,4-DNP-derivative

(x) Schiff’s base

Answer:

Question 8.2. Name the following compounds according to IUPAC system of nomenclature:

(i) $CH_3CH(CH_3)CH_2CH_2CHO$

(ii) $CH_3CH_2COCH(C_2H_5)CH_2CH_2Cl$

(iii) $CH_3CH=CHCHO$

(iv) $CH_3COCH_2COCH_3$

(v) $CH_3CH(CH_3)CH_2C(CH_3)_2COCH_3$

(vi) $(CH_3)_3CCH_2COOH$

(vii) $OHCC_6H_4CHO-p$

Answer:

Question 8.3. Draw the structures of the following compounds.

(i) 3-Methylbutanal

(ii) p-Nitropropiophenone

(iii) p-Methylbenzaldehyde

(iv) 4-Methylpent-3-en-2-one

(v) 4-Chloropentan-2-one

(vi) 3-Bromo-4-phenylpentanoic acid

(vii) p,p’-Dihydroxybenzophenone

(viii) Hex-2-en-4-ynoic acid

Answer:

Question 8.4. Write the IUPAC names of the following ketones and aldehydes. Wherever possible, give also common names.

(i) $CH_3CO(CH_2)_4CH_3$

(ii) $CH_3CH_2CHBrCH_2CH(CH_3)CHO$

(iii) $CH_3(CH_2)_5CHO$

(iv) $Ph-CH=CH-CHO$

(iv) Chemical reaction for part (v).

(vi) PhCOPh

Answer:

Question 8.5. Draw structures of the following derivatives.

(i) The 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone of benzaldehyde

(ii) Cyclopropanone oxime

(iii) Acetaldehydedimethylacetal

(iv) The semicarbazone of cyclobutanone

(v) The ethylene ketal of hexan-3-one

(vi) The methyl hemiacetal of formaldehyde

Answer:

Question 8.6. Predict the products formed when cyclohexanecarbaldehyde reacts with following reagents.

(i) PhMgBr and then $H_3O^+$

(ii) Tollens’ reagent

(iii) Semicarbazide and weak acid

(iv) Excess ethanol and acid

(v) Zinc amalgam and dilute hydrochloric acid

Answer:

Question 8.7. Which of the following compounds would undergo aldol condensation, which the Cannizzaro reaction and which neither? Write the structures of the expected products of aldol condensation and Cannizzaro reaction.

(i) Methanal

(ii) 2-Methylpentanal

(iii) Benzaldehyde

(iv) Benzophenone

(v) Cyclohexanone

(vi) 1-Phenylpropanone

(vii) Phenylacetaldehyde

(viii) Butan-1-ol

(ix) 2,2-Dimethylbutanal

Answer:

Question 8.8. How will you convert ethanal into the following compounds?

(i) Butane-1,3-diol

(ii) But-2-enal

(iii) But-2-enoic acid

Answer:

Question 8.9. Write structural formulas and names of four possible aldol condensation products from propanal and butanal. In each case, indicate which aldehyde acts as nucleophile and which as electrophile.

Answer:

Question 8.10. An organic compound with the molecular formula $C_9H_{10}O$ forms 2,4-DNP derivative, reduces Tollens’ reagent and undergoes Cannizzaro reaction. On vigorous oxidation, it gives 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid. Identify the compound.

Answer:

Question 8.11. An organic compound (A) (molecular formula $C_8H_{16}O_2$) was hydrolysed with dilute sulphuric acid to give a carboxylic acid (B) and an alcohol (C). Oxidation of (C) with chromic acid produced (B). (C) on dehydration gives but-1-ene. Write equations for the reactions involved.

Answer:

Question 8.12. Arrange the following compounds in increasing order of their property as indicated:

(i) Acetaldehyde, Acetone, Di-tert-butyl ketone, Methyl tert-butyl ketone (reactivity towards HCN)

(ii) $CH_3CH_2CH(Br)COOH$, $CH_3CH(Br)CH_2COOH$, $(CH_3)_2CHCOOH$, $CH_3CH_2CH_2COOH$ (acid strength)

(iii) Benzoic acid, 4-Nitrobenzoic acid, 3,4-Dinitrobenzoic acid, 4-Methoxybenzoic acid (acid strength)

Answer:

Question 8.13. Give simple chemical tests to distinguish between the following pairs of compounds.

(i) Propanal and Propanone

(ii) Acetophenone and Benzophenone

(iii) Phenol and Benzoic acid

(iv) Benzoic acid and Ethyl benzoate

(v) Pentan-2-one and Pentan-3-one

(vi) Benzaldehyde and Acetophenone

(vii) Ethanal and Propanal

Answer:

Question 8.14. How will you prepare the following compounds from benzene? You may use any inorganic reagent and any organic reagent having not more than one carbon atom

(i) Methyl benzoate

(ii) m-Nitrobenzoic acid

(iii) p-Nitrobenzoic acid

(iv) Phenylacetic acid

(v) p-Nitrobenzaldehyde.

Answer:

Question 8.15. How will you bring about the following conversions in not more than two steps?

(i) Propanone to Propene

(ii) Benzoic acid to Benzaldehyde

(iii) Ethanol to 3-Hydroxybutanal

(iv) Benzene to m-Nitroacetophenone

(v) Benzaldehyde to Benzophenone

(vi) Bromobenzene to 1-Phenylethanol

(vii) Benzaldehyde to 3-Phenylpropan-1-ol

(viii) Benzaldehyde to α-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid

(ix) Benzoic acid to m- Nitrobenzyl alcohol

Answer:

Question 8.16. Describe the following:

(i) Acetylation

(ii) Cannizzaro reaction

(iii) Cross aldol condensation

(iv) Decarboxylation

Answer:

Question 8.17. Complete each synthesis by giving missing starting material, reagent or products

(i) Chemical reaction for part (i).

(ii) Chemical reaction for part (ii).

(iii) Chemical reaction for part (iii).

(iv) Chemical reaction for part (iv).

(v) Chemical reaction for part (v).

(vi) Chemical reaction for part (vi).

(vii) Chemical reaction for part (vii).

(viii) Chemical reaction for part (viii).

(ix) Chemical reaction for part (ix).

(x) Chemical reaction for part (x).

(xi) Chemical reaction for part (xi).

Answer:

Question 8.18. Give plausible explanation for each of the following:

(i) Cyclohexanone forms cyanohydrin in good yield but 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone does not.

(ii) There are two $–NH_2$ groups in semicarbazide. However, only one is involved in the formation of semicarbazones.

(iii) During the preparation of esters from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, the water or the ester should be removed as soon as it is formed.

Answer:

Question 8.19. An organic compound contains 69.77% carbon, 11.63% hydrogen and rest oxygen. The molecular mass of the compound is 86. It does not reduce Tollens’ reagent but forms an addition compound with sodium hydrogensulphite and give positive iodoform test. On vigorous oxidation it gives ethanoic and propanoic acid. Write the possible structure of the compound.

Answer:

Question 8.20. Although phenoxide ion has more number of resonating structures than carboxylate ion, carboxylic acid is a stronger acid than phenol. Why?

Answer: