An aldehyde is an organic compound with the general formula RCHO. The carbonyl group (C=O) sits at the end of the carbon chain, bonded to at least one hydrogen.

Key Properties

  • Suffix: -al (e.g., methanal, ethanal)
  • Reactivity: Easily oxidized to carboxylic acids
  • Common examples: Formaldehyde (methanal), Acetaldehyde (ethanal)

IUPAC Naming

  1. Find the longest chain containing the CHO group
  2. The CHO carbon is always carbon 1
  3. Replace the -e ending with -al

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