CHEMISTRY OF ALDEHYDES...
Certainly! Aldehydes are a class of organic compounds characterized by a
carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydrogen atom and another atom or
group (designated as R). Here are some key points about aldehydes:
Structure:
Aldehyde molecules have a central carbon atom connected by a double
bond to oxygen (C=O), a single bond to hydrogen, and another single
bond to a third substituent (usually carbon or hydrogen).
The central carbon is often described as being sp²-hybridized.
The aldehyde group is somewhat polar12.
Nomenclature:
Aldehydes are named using systematic nomenclature based on the
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
The general formula is R-CHO, where R represents a hydrocarbon radical
(substituted or unsubstituted) or hydrogen.
Examples :
formaldehyde (HCHO) and acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO)13.
Properties and Uses:
Many aldehydes have pleasant odors and are derived from alcohols by
dehydrogenation.
They undergo various chemical reactions, including polymerization.
Aldehydes are used in plastics (e.g., Bakelite), perfumes, solvents, and as
intermediates in dye and pharmaceutical production.
Examples of aldehydes
retinal (important for vision) and glucose (a reducing sugar).
Aldehydes serve several important functions in chemistry:
1.Reduction Reactions:
Aldehydes can be reduced to primary alcohols using reducing agents like
lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH₄) or sodium borohydride (NaBH₄).
This reduction process converts the carbonyl group (C=O) into a hydroxyl
group (–OH) on the same carbon atom.
2.Oxidation Reactions:
Aldehydes can be oxidized to carboxylic acids.
For example, formaldehyde (HCHO) can be oxidized to formic acid
(HCOOH).
3.Condensation Reactions:
Aldehydes participate in condensation reactions with other carbonyl
compounds (such as ketones) or amines.
These reactions lead to the formation of larger molecules, such as aldol
condensation products.
4.Nucleophilic Addition:
Aldehydes undergo nucleophilic addition reactions.
For instance, they react with nucleophiles (such as water, alcohols, or
ammonia) to form hydrates, hemiacetals, or imines.
Formation of Hemiacetals and Acetals:
Aldehydes react with alcohols to form hemiacetals and acetals.
Hemiacetals have one –OR group and one –OH group attached to the
same carbon, while acetals have two –OR groups.
Role in Biochemistry:
Aldehydes are crucial in biological processes.
Glucose, an aldehyde, plays a central role in cellular energy production.
The advantages and disadvantages of aldehydes:
Advantages:
1.Broad Spectrum Activity: Aldehydes exhibit a wide range of activity
against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They act by alkylating groups in
proteins and other cellular molecules1.
2.Industrial Applications: Aldehydes serve as building blocks for resins and
other industrial materials.
3.Fragrance and Personal Care: Many aldehyde compounds are naturally
derived and contribute fragrance to perfumes, personal care products,
room fresheners, and laundry detergents2.
Disadvantages:
1.Toxicity: The aldehydes used can be highly toxic. Proper precautions and
appropriate equipment are necessary during handling.
2.Long Contact Time: Aldehydes require a longer contact time to
effectively kill microorganisms1.
3.Water Solubility: While lower members (up to 3 carbons) are soluble in
water, solubility decreases as the carbon chain length increases.
The general properties of aldehydes:
Physical State:
Except for formaldehyde (which is a gas at room temperature), most
common aldehydes and ketones are liquid at ordinary temperatures.
Lower molecular mass aldehydes have a sharp, rather unpleasant smell,
while higher molecular mass aldehydes and ketones are pleasant-
smelling.
Some aromatic aldehydes obtained from natural sources have very
pleasant fragrances.
Boiling Points:
Aldehydes and ketones contain polar carbonyl groups, leading to stronger
dipole-dipole interactions between opposite ends of dipoles.
Consequently, their boiling points are higher than those of non-polar
alkanes and weakly polar ethers of comparable molecular masses.
However, aldehydes and ketones have lower boiling points than
comparable alcohols due to the absence of intermolecular hydrogen
bonding.
Solubility:
Lower aldehydes and ketones (such as methanal, ethanal, and propanone)
are miscible with water in all proportions because they can form hydrogen
bonds with water.
