3.3 Aldehydes and Ketones
Assumed knowledge

This subtopic builds upon the concept of oxidation introduced in Stage 1 subtopic 6.1.

Naming and drawing aldehydes and ketones

Aldehydes and ketones are produced by the oxidation of the corresponding primary and secondary alcohols respectively.

  • Identify, name systematically, and draw structural formulae of aldehydes and ketones containing:
    • up to eight carbon atoms in the main chain, with side chains limited to a maximum of two carbon atoms
    • one or more aldehyde or ketone groups.

Reference sheet: Functional groups

Practice programs: Naming | Drawing (choose Aldehyde or Ketone)

Tool: Draw from name

Oxidation of aldehydes and ketones

Aldehydes can be readily oxidised; ketones cannot.

  • Draw the structural formula of the oxidation product of a given aldehyde in either acidic or alkaline conditions.
  • Describe how acidified dichromate solution and Tollens’ reagent (ammoniacal silver nitrate solution) can be used to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones.

Infographic

Videos: Khan Academy | Demonstrations (ignore Fehlings and production of Tollens) | Flippin' Science

Practice: Organic Products (choose Oxidation of aldehyde)