CHEM 332: CARBONYLS, THEIR DERIVATIVES AND AMINES
Student Summary Notes (for Study Use Only)
Prepared as a summarized study guide for university learners.
Topic One: Chemistry of Carbonyl Compounds – Occurrence, Nomenclature,
and Physical Properties
Carbonyl compounds contain the carbon–oxygen double bond (C=O), one of the most
reactive functional groups in organic chemistry. Examples include aldehydes, ketones,
carboxylic acids, esters, and amides. They occur naturally in flavors, fragrances, and
biological systems.
The carbon atom in the carbonyl group is sp² hybridized, making the bond polar and the
carbon electrophilic. This allows reactions with nucleophiles and electrophiles.
Classification:
• Class I: Carboxylic acids and derivatives (acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, amides).
• Class II: Aldehydes and ketones – non-substitutable carbonyls.
Nomenclature and Properties:
- Aldehydes end in “-al” (e.g., ethanal), Ketones in “-one” (e.g., propanone).
- Boiling point order: Amide > Carboxylic acid > Nitrile > Ester ≈ Ketone.
- Lower carbonyls are water-soluble; solubility decreases with chain length.
Reactivity:
Aldehydes are more reactive than ketones due to less steric hindrance and weaker electron-
donating effects. Carbonyl compounds are essential in perfume, plastics, and
pharmaceuticals.
Topic Two: Reactions of Carbonyl Compounds – Addition, Oxidation, and
Reduction
The carbonyl carbon is electrophilic, making it reactive toward nucleophiles. Main reaction
types:
Student Summary Notes (for Study Use Only)
Prepared as a summarized study guide for university learners.
Topic One: Chemistry of Carbonyl Compounds – Occurrence, Nomenclature,
and Physical Properties
Carbonyl compounds contain the carbon–oxygen double bond (C=O), one of the most
reactive functional groups in organic chemistry. Examples include aldehydes, ketones,
carboxylic acids, esters, and amides. They occur naturally in flavors, fragrances, and
biological systems.
The carbon atom in the carbonyl group is sp² hybridized, making the bond polar and the
carbon electrophilic. This allows reactions with nucleophiles and electrophiles.
Classification:
• Class I: Carboxylic acids and derivatives (acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, amides).
• Class II: Aldehydes and ketones – non-substitutable carbonyls.
Nomenclature and Properties:
- Aldehydes end in “-al” (e.g., ethanal), Ketones in “-one” (e.g., propanone).
- Boiling point order: Amide > Carboxylic acid > Nitrile > Ester ≈ Ketone.
- Lower carbonyls are water-soluble; solubility decreases with chain length.
Reactivity:
Aldehydes are more reactive than ketones due to less steric hindrance and weaker electron-
donating effects. Carbonyl compounds are essential in perfume, plastics, and
pharmaceuticals.
Topic Two: Reactions of Carbonyl Compounds – Addition, Oxidation, and
Reduction
The carbonyl carbon is electrophilic, making it reactive toward nucleophiles. Main reaction
types:
