Aldehyde

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Aldehyde

Aldehyde (/ælˈdɪhaɪd/) is a type of organic compound that contains a formyl group. This group, with the structure R-CHO, consists of a carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and double-bonded to an oxygen atom.

Etymology

The term "aldehyde" was coined by Justus von Liebig in 1833. It is derived from the Latin word "al" meaning "of" and the Greek word "dehydro" meaning "removal of water". This is in reference to the fact that aldehydes can be formed by the dehydration of alcohols.

Types of Aldehydes

There are many types of aldehydes, including:

  • Formaldehyde: A simple aldehyde that is a colorless gas with a strong, pungent smell. It is used in the production of resins, textiles, and plastics.
  • Acetaldehyde: A colorless, flammable liquid used in the manufacture of acetic acid, perfumes, and flavors.
  • Benzaldehyde: A colorless liquid with a pleasant almond-like odor. It is used in the manufacture of dyes, perfumes, and flavoring compounds.

Related Terms

  • Ketone: A type of organic compound similar to aldehydes, but with the carbonyl group within the carbon chain.
  • Carbonyl Group: A functional group composed of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom: C=O.
  • Oxidation: A chemical reaction that involves the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state.

Health Effects

Exposure to certain aldehydes can have various health effects, such as irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Some aldehydes, such as formaldehyde, are also known to be carcinogenic.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski