Q33. Which of these molecules is a ketone? Name the other functional groups also.

Background

Topic: Organic Functional Groups

This question tests your ability to identify and distinguish between common organic functional groups, including ketones, esters, carboxylic acids, and aldehydes.

Key Terms and Formulas

• Ketone: Contains a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms (R-CO-R).

• Ester: Contains a carbonyl group bonded to an oxygen atom, which is also bonded to another carbon (R-CO-OR).

• Carboxylic Acid: Contains a carbonyl group bonded to an OH group (R-COOH).

• Aldehyde: Contains a carbonyl group bonded to a hydrogen atom (R-COH).

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Examine each structure and identify the group attached to the central carbonyl carbon.

2. Recall that a ketone has two carbon groups (R) attached to the carbonyl carbon, while an aldehyde has one R and one H, a carboxylic acid has one R and one OH, and an ester has one R and one OR.

3. Compare the structures to the definitions above. For example, look for the structure where the carbonyl carbon is bonded to two other carbon atoms.

4. For the other structures, match their features to the definitions of ester, carboxylic acid, and aldehyde.

5. Set up your answer by listing which letter corresponds to each functional group, but stop before stating which is the ketone.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!