Topic study hub
Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)
This A-level-only topic develops carbonyl chemistry through oxidation, reduction and nucleophilic addition.
4
Objectives
20
Flashcards
20
Questions
90 min
Study time
AQAA LevelChemistryOrganic chemistry
Choose a revision tool
Start revising Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)
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
aldehydeketonecarbonyl groupTollens' reagentFehling's reagentAldehydeCarboxylic AcidOxidation Reactionnucleophilic additioncarbonyl compoundnucleophile
Exam tips
- Naming Aldehydes and Ketones: Explain clearly by remember that aldehydes are named with the suffix '-al' and ketones with '-one'. Link the point to Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only), then state the evidence, calculation, mechanism, observation, or conclusion required by the question.
- Representing Carbonyl Compounds: Use structural formulas to represent aldehydes and ketones, ensuring to include the carbonyl group (C=O).
Common mistakes
- Incorrect Naming of Aldehydes: Remember that aldehydes are named with the suffix '-al' (e.g., ethanal), while ketones use '-one' (e.g., propanone).
- Misrepresentation of Structural Formulae: Ensure that the carbonyl group is correctly placed at the terminal position for aldehydes (e.g., CH3CHO for ethanal) and in the middle for ketones (e.g., CH3COCH3 for propanone).
Practice preview
Continue by objective
Objectives are grouped by subtopic so students can jump straight to the exact skill they want to revise.
Related topics