ABSTRACT
Several important classes of molecules have the carbonyl unit (–C=O) as a key part of their structure. ey are generically known as carbonyl compounds. e chemistry associated with carbonyl compounds is important to many chemical reactions. e carbonyl unit is reactive because it is polarized and also contains a weak and reactive π-bond. is chapter will introduce the structure, nomenclature, and reactivity of the key carbonyl-containing functional groups, as well as the most fundamental aspects of their chemical reactivity. ese include aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and carboxylic acid derivatives.
