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sheila
02/12/2025
Chemistry
Chapter 26.1 - Carbonyl Compounds
394
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2 Dec 2025
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Carbonyl compounds are organic molecules containing the C=O functional group,... Show more
You can create carbonyl compounds by oxidising different types of alcohols using acidified dichromate. This reaction is straightforward but depends entirely on what type of alcohol you start with.
Primary alcohols oxidise to form aldehydes (if you're careful) or carboxylic acids (if you use excess oxidising agent). Secondary alcohols always produce ketones when oxidised. Tertiary alcohols are stubborn - they won't react at all with acidified dichromate.
Both aldehydes and ketones contain the carbonyl functional group , but they differ in structure. Aldehydes have their carbonyl at the end of the chain , whilst ketones have theirs in the middle, bonded to two carbon atoms .
Quick Check: Remember that aldehydes can be oxidised further, but ketones cannot - this is key for identifying them!
Here's a brilliant way to tell aldehydes and ketones apart: try oxidising them! Aldehydes readily oxidise to carboxylic acids when you reflux them with acidified dichromate.
During this reaction, the orange dichromate ions (Cr₂O₇²⁻) get reduced to green Cr³⁺ ions. You'll see a clear colour change from orange to green, which makes this an excellent test.
Ketones stubbornly refuse to oxidise under these conditions. The solution stays orange because the dichromate isn't being used up. This difference in behaviour is your key to identifying which type of carbonyl compound you're dealing with.
Test Tip: If it goes green, it's an aldehyde. If it stays orange, it's a ketone!
The C=O bond consists of both sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds. The sigma bond forms from direct orbital overlap, whilst the pi bond comes from sideways overlap of p-orbitals.
Because oxygen is more electronegative than carbon, the C=O bond is polar. This creates a partially positive carbon (δ+) and partially negative oxygen (δ-), making the carbon attractive to nucleophiles.
Nucleophiles are electron pair donors that attack the electron-deficient carbon atom. This leads to heterolytic fission where the pi bond breaks unevenly, and both electrons move to the oxygen atom.
Remember: Nucleophiles love positive charges - they're drawn to that δ+ carbon like a magnet!
Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) is your go-to reducing agent for carbonyl compounds. It works brilliantly in water and converts both aldehydes and ketones back into alcohols.
When you reduce an aldehyde, you get a primary alcohol. The reaction essentially reverses the oxidation process you learned about earlier.
Ketones reduce to form secondary alcohols. This makes perfect sense when you think about it - you're just adding hydrogen back to the carbonyl group.
This reduction reaction is super useful in organic synthesis because it allows you to control the oxidation state of your molecules precisely.
Synthesis Tip: NaBH₄ is much safer and easier to handle than other reducing agents like LiAlH₄!
The nucleophilic addition mechanism with NaBH₄ follows a clear pattern. The hydride ion (H⁻) attacks the partially positive carbon, forming a new C-H bond whilst the pi electrons move to oxygen.
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) also undergoes nucleophilic addition with carbonyl compounds. You generate HCN safely in situ by mixing NaCN with H₂SO₄ - never handle pure HCN as it's extremely poisonous.
The product of HCN addition is a hydroxynitrile . This reaction is particularly valuable because it extends the carbon chain length by one carbon atom.
Safety Warning: Always generate HCN in a fume cupboard - it's one of the most dangerous chemicals you'll encounter in A-level chemistry!
The cyanide ion (CN⁻) acts as the nucleophile in this reaction, attacking the electron-deficient carbon of the carbonyl group. Meanwhile, a hydrogen ion (H⁺) from the acid adds to the oxygen.
This mechanism creates a hydroxynitrile product with both an -OH group and a -CN group attached to the same carbon atom. The reaction works with both aldehydes and ketones.
The beauty of this reaction lies in its ability to build longer carbon chains, making it invaluable for organic synthesis. You're essentially adding a carbon atom that can be modified further in subsequent reactions.
Mechanism Tip: Draw the curly arrows carefully - CN⁻ attacks carbon, whilst H⁺ goes to the oxygen!
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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Carbonyl compounds are organic molecules containing the C=O functional group, found in aldehydes and ketones. Understanding how to make them from alcohols and their key reactions is essential for A-level chemistry success.
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You can create carbonyl compounds by oxidising different types of alcohols using acidified dichromate. This reaction is straightforward but depends entirely on what type of alcohol you start with.
Primary alcohols oxidise to form aldehydes (if you're careful) or carboxylic acids (if you use excess oxidising agent). Secondary alcohols always produce ketones when oxidised. Tertiary alcohols are stubborn - they won't react at all with acidified dichromate.
Both aldehydes and ketones contain the carbonyl functional group , but they differ in structure. Aldehydes have their carbonyl at the end of the chain , whilst ketones have theirs in the middle, bonded to two carbon atoms .
Quick Check: Remember that aldehydes can be oxidised further, but ketones cannot - this is key for identifying them!
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Here's a brilliant way to tell aldehydes and ketones apart: try oxidising them! Aldehydes readily oxidise to carboxylic acids when you reflux them with acidified dichromate.
During this reaction, the orange dichromate ions (Cr₂O₇²⁻) get reduced to green Cr³⁺ ions. You'll see a clear colour change from orange to green, which makes this an excellent test.
Ketones stubbornly refuse to oxidise under these conditions. The solution stays orange because the dichromate isn't being used up. This difference in behaviour is your key to identifying which type of carbonyl compound you're dealing with.
Test Tip: If it goes green, it's an aldehyde. If it stays orange, it's a ketone!
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The C=O bond consists of both sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds. The sigma bond forms from direct orbital overlap, whilst the pi bond comes from sideways overlap of p-orbitals.
Because oxygen is more electronegative than carbon, the C=O bond is polar. This creates a partially positive carbon (δ+) and partially negative oxygen (δ-), making the carbon attractive to nucleophiles.
Nucleophiles are electron pair donors that attack the electron-deficient carbon atom. This leads to heterolytic fission where the pi bond breaks unevenly, and both electrons move to the oxygen atom.
Remember: Nucleophiles love positive charges - they're drawn to that δ+ carbon like a magnet!
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Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) is your go-to reducing agent for carbonyl compounds. It works brilliantly in water and converts both aldehydes and ketones back into alcohols.
When you reduce an aldehyde, you get a primary alcohol. The reaction essentially reverses the oxidation process you learned about earlier.
Ketones reduce to form secondary alcohols. This makes perfect sense when you think about it - you're just adding hydrogen back to the carbonyl group.
This reduction reaction is super useful in organic synthesis because it allows you to control the oxidation state of your molecules precisely.
Synthesis Tip: NaBH₄ is much safer and easier to handle than other reducing agents like LiAlH₄!
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The nucleophilic addition mechanism with NaBH₄ follows a clear pattern. The hydride ion (H⁻) attacks the partially positive carbon, forming a new C-H bond whilst the pi electrons move to oxygen.
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) also undergoes nucleophilic addition with carbonyl compounds. You generate HCN safely in situ by mixing NaCN with H₂SO₄ - never handle pure HCN as it's extremely poisonous.
The product of HCN addition is a hydroxynitrile . This reaction is particularly valuable because it extends the carbon chain length by one carbon atom.
Safety Warning: Always generate HCN in a fume cupboard - it's one of the most dangerous chemicals you'll encounter in A-level chemistry!
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The cyanide ion (CN⁻) acts as the nucleophile in this reaction, attacking the electron-deficient carbon of the carbonyl group. Meanwhile, a hydrogen ion (H⁺) from the acid adds to the oxygen.
This mechanism creates a hydroxynitrile product with both an -OH group and a -CN group attached to the same carbon atom. The reaction works with both aldehydes and ketones.
The beauty of this reaction lies in its ability to build longer carbon chains, making it invaluable for organic synthesis. You're essentially adding a carbon atom that can be modified further in subsequent reactions.
Mechanism Tip: Draw the curly arrows carefully - CN⁻ attacks carbon, whilst H⁺ goes to the oxygen!
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology