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Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)
This A-level-only topic develops carbonyl chemistry through oxidation, reduction and nucleophilic addition.
4
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
88 min
Study time
AqaA LevelChemistryOrganic chemistry
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Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
4 objective pages available
Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)4 objectives
- Name and represent aldehydes and ketones.
- Use Tollens' and Fehling's reagents to distinguish aldehydes from ketones.
- Explain oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids.
- Outline nucleophilic addition reactions of carbonyl compounds.
Key terms
AldehydeKetoneOxidationReductionCarboxylic AcidNucleophilic AdditionCyanohydrin
Exam tips
- Use structural diagrams: Always draw structural diagrams for organic compounds when asked.
- Be clear on reagent reactions: Always state the expected observations when using reagents like Tollens' and Fehling's.
Common mistakes
- Misidentifying functional groups: Remember that aldehydes have a terminal carbonyl group, while ketones have a carbonyl group between two carbon atoms.
- Confusing aldehydes with ketones: Remember that only aldehydes can reduce Tollens' reagent; ketones do not react.
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