An aldehyde as well as a ketone can be represented by the same molecular formula, say . Write their structures and name them. State the relation between the two in the language of science.
An aldehyde as well as a ketone can be represented by the same molecular formula, say . Write their structures and name them. State the relation between the two in the language of science.
For the molecular formula , the two functional group representations are:
- Aldehyde:
- Name: Propanal
- Structure:
(Or structurally represented as:)
- Ketone:
- Name: Propanone (commonly known as acetone)
- Structure:
(Or structurally represented as:)
Relation in the language of science:
These two compounds are structural isomers (specifically functional isomers). They share the same molecular formula () but possess different functional groups (an aldehyde group in propanal, and a ketone group in propanone), which gives them distinct chemical and physical properties.
Marking Scheme
- 1Correct structure and IUPAC name (Propanal) of the aldehyde. (0.5 marks)
- 2Correct structure and IUPAC name (Propanone) of the ketone. (0.5 marks)
- 3Identifying the relationship as 'Isomers' or 'Functional Isomers'. (0.5 marks)
- 4Explaining that they have the same molecular formula but different structures/functional groups. (0.5 marks)
Hint
An aldehyde has its carbonyl group at the terminal position (), while a ketone has its carbonyl group in the middle of the carbon chain (). Compare their molecular formulas.
Quick Oral Answer
Propanal and propanone are functional isomers. They have the same molecular formula, , but propanal contains an aldehyde group () while propanone contains a ketone group ().
Analysis & Explanation
The general formula for aliphatic monohydric aldehydes and ketones is . When , the molecular formula is .
- An aldehyde must have the carbonyl group () at the end of the carbon chain, terminating with a hydrogen atom (). Thus, the 3-carbon chain forms propanal.
- A ketone must have the carbonyl group () bonded to two other carbon atoms internally (). Thus, the 3-carbon chain forms propanone.
- Because they have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms resulting in different functional groups, they are termed functional isomers.
Common Mistakes
- 1Naming propanone as 'propanal' or vice versa.
- 2Drawing the ketone group at the terminal carbon, which incorrectly turns it into an aldehyde.
- 3Forgetting to satisfy the tetravalency of carbon when drawing the structures.
Interesting Facts
Propanone (acetone) is the simplest possible ketone because a ketone requires at least three carbon atoms to have a non-terminal carbonyl group. Propanone is widely used as a nail polish remover!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2016?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Carbon and its Compounds" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Chains, Branches and Rings" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
Has this question appeared in other CBSE Science papers?
Yes, a similar question appeared in the 2016 CBSE Class 10 Science paper.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 paper.