What is the difference between an aldehyde and a ketone, and what type of molecule can they each be reduced to?

Both aldehydes and ketones have a carbonyl functional group (C=O), however in aldhydes the carbonyl carbon atom is the terminal carbon of the chain, whereas in ketones the carbonyl carbon has two alkyl groups attached to it. 

Aldehydes can be reduced to primary alcohols, but ketones are reduced to secondary alcohols.

AP
Answered by Alastair P. Chemistry tutor

8083 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is covalent character, how does it arise. List a compound it does affect and explain the resulting properties covalent character affects.


How do I balance redox equations in acidic reactions, without trial and error, using half equations?


An amino acid contains 52.2% carbon, 9.3% hydrogen, 8.7% nitrogen and 29.8% oxygen by mass and has a relative molecular mass of 161 g/mol. What is its molecular formula? What functional groups must it have?


Why is the melting point of saturated carbon chains greater than unsaturated carbon chains?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning