Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Aldehyde: Organic compound with a carbonyl group (C=O) at the end of a carbon chain. ✅

• Ketone: Organic compound with a carbonyl group (C=O) within the carbon chain. ✅

• Carboxylic Acid: Organic compound containing a carboxyl group (-COOH). ✅

Important Concepts

Structure and Properties

• Aldehydes: General formula RCHO (R = alkyl group). ✅

• Ketones: General formula RC(=O)R' (R, R' = alkyl groups). ✅

• Carboxylic Acids: General formula RCOOH. ✅

Reactions

• Oxidation:

• Aldehydes → Carboxylic Acids. ✅

• Ketones are resistant to oxidation. ⚠️

• Reduction:

• Aldehydes/Ketones → Alcohols. ✅

• Esterification:

• Carboxylic Acids + Alcohol → Esters. ✅

Key Formulas

• Oxidation of Aldehydes:

RCHO + [O] → RCOOH

• Reduction of Aldehydes/Ketones:

RCHO + H₂ → RCH₂OH (for aldehydes) ✅
RC(=O)R' + H₂ → RCH(OH)R' (for ketones) ✅

• Esterification Reaction:

RCOOH + R'OH ⇌ RCOOR' + H₂O ✅

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing the oxidation products of aldehydes (to carboxylic acids) with ketones (which do not oxidize easily).

Memory Tricks

Tip: "Aldehyde = A for End" — Aldehydes have the carbonyl group at the end of the chain.

Key Diagrams

Aldehyde:    O
              ||
R — C — H
Ketone:      O
              ||
R — C — R'
Carboxylic Acid: O
                 ||
R — C — OH