How can you identify aldehydes and ketones?

1 Answer
Jul 9, 2018

By their formula, by their spectra, by their physical and chemical properties?

Explanation:

Both simple ketones and aldehydes have the ONE DEGREE of unsaturation...i.e. they have formula #C_nH_(2n)O# RATHER than #C_nH_(2n+2)O#. In general, aldehydes ARE MORE reactive than ketones. And this differential reactivity mirrors the differential reactivity of #1^@# alkyl halides compared to #2^@# alkyl halides as electrophilic substrates.

Anyway, we are in the dark. The question needs some qualification.