ASChemistryCIERevision Notes3. Organic Chemistry3.5 Carbonyl Compounds3.5.2 Reactions of Aldehydes & Ketones

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Reactions of Aldehydes & Ketones (CIE AS Chemistry)

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Reactions of Aldehydes & Ketones

Reduction of aldehyde & ketones

  • Aldehydes and ketones can be reduced by reducing agents such as NaBH4 or LiAlH4
  • Aldehydes are reduced to primary alcohols
  • Ketones are reduced to secondary alcohols

 

Hydroxy Compounds Reduction, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Reduction of aldehydes and ketones to form primary and secondary alcohols

Nucleophilic addition with HCN

  • Aldehydes and ketones can undergo nucleophilic addition with hydrogen cyanide, HCN
  • The cyanide ion, CN-, acts as a nucleophile and adds across the C-O bond
  • Aldehydes and ketones react with HCN, KCN as catalyst and heat to produce hydroxynitriles
    • Hydroxynitriles are nitriles containing a hydroxy, -OH, group

 

Carbonyl Compounds Nucleophilic Addition, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Nucleophilic addition to ethanal (aldehyde) and propanone (ketone)

Examiner Tip

The nucleophilic addition of HCN to an aldehyde or ketone increases the length of the carbon chain by one carbon atom!

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    Francesca

    Author: Francesca

    Expertise: Head of Science

    Fran studied for a BSc in Chemistry with Forensic Science, and since graduating taught A level Chemistry in the UK for over 11 years. She studied for an MBA in Senior Leadership, and has held a number of roles during her time in Education, including Head of Chemistry, Head of Science and most recently as an Assistant Headteacher. In this role, she used her passion for education to drive improvement and success for staff and students across a number of subjects in addition to Science, supporting them to achieve their full potential. Fran has co-written Science textbooks, delivered CPD for teachers, and worked as an examiner for a number of UK exam boards.