Functional Groups in Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO)

What functional groups are in Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO)?

Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO) contains 1 functional group: Aldehyde (-CHO). The simplest aldehyde after formaldehyde. Contains a terminal C=O group.

FormulaCH₃CHO
NameAcetaldehyde
Number of Functional Groups1
Functional Groups PresentAldehyde (-CHO)
DescriptionThe simplest aldehyde after formaldehyde. Contains a terminal C=O group.

Overview

Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO) is a simple aldehyde - a carbonyl group (C=O) at the end of a carbon chain.

Aldehyde (-CHO)

The aldehyde group (-CHO) has a carbon double-bonded to oxygen and bonded to at least one hydrogen. It's always found at the terminal position of a carbon chain.

Functional Group 2

Acetaldehyde has only one functional group. The key distinction: an aldehyde is a terminal C=O (bonded to H), while a ketone has C=O between two carbons.

Complete Analysis

The aldehyde (-CHO) is highlighted. Aldehydes are more reactive than ketones because the terminal position is less sterically hindered.

Interactive 3D functional group identification with guided walkthroughs and practice quizzes on 12 molecules.

Identify Functional Groups in Acetaldehyde in 3D

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