The Foundations of Chemistry

The simplest ketone is called acetone. Other simple, commonly encountered ketones
are usually called by their common names. These are derived by naming the alkyl or aryl
groups attached to the carbonyl group.

The systematic names for ketones are derived from their parent hydrocarbons. The
suffix -oneis added to the characteristic stem.

The ketones are excellent solvents. Acetone is very useful because it dissolves most
organic compounds yet is miscible with water. Acetone is widely used as a solvent in the
manufacture of lacquers, paint removers, explosives, plastics, drugs, and disinfectants.
Some ketones of high molecular weight are used extensively in blending perfumes. Struc-
tures of some naturally occurring aldehydes and ketones are

CH 3 CH 2

O

C CH 3

butanone

CH 3 CH 2

O

C CH CH 2 CH 3

CH 3

4-methyl-3-hexanone

1234 123456

O

C

O

O CCH 3

cyclohexanone acetophenone

(methyl phenyl ketone)

benzophenone

(diphenyl ketone)

CH 3 CH 3

O

C CH 3 CH 2 CH 3

O

C CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 CH 3

O

C

acetone methyl ethyl ketone diethyl ketone

27-11 Aldehydes and Ketones 1073

TABLE 27-9 Properties of Some Simple Aldehydes

Common Name Formula Normal bp (°C)

formaldehyde(methanal)  21

acetaldehyde (ethanal) 20.2

propionaldehyde (propanal) 48.8

benzaldehyde 179.5

H

O

C H

CH 3

O

C H

O

CH 3 CH 2 C H

O

C H

Steroid molecules have similar

molecular shapes but different

biochemical functions. Progesterone

(top), a female sex hormone, and

testosterone (bottom), a male sex

hormone. Both are ketones.