Given the following structure: $C-H-C=O$, how should this compound be classified?

• A. Aldehyde
• B. Carboxylic acid
• C. Ketone
• D. Alcohol

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functional group present in the given structure. The structure is represented as C-H-C=O, which suggests a carbonyl group (C=O) attached to a carbon and a hydrogen.
2. Recall that a carbonyl group (C=O) can be part of several functional groups: aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and others. The key difference lies in what is attached to the carbonyl carbon.
3. In an aldehyde, the carbonyl carbon is bonded to at least one hydrogen atom and one carbon atom (or hydrogen). In a ketone, the carbonyl carbon is bonded to two carbon atoms. In a carboxylic acid, the carbonyl carbon is bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH).
4. Since the structure shows a carbonyl carbon bonded to a hydrogen (C-H) and a carbon (C=O), it fits the definition of an aldehyde functional group.
5. Therefore, classify the compound as an aldehyde based on the presence of the carbonyl group bonded to a hydrogen atom.