Question detail
What is the general formula for aldehydes?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)
Question
- A. CnH2n+2O
- B. CnH2nO
- C. CnH2n-2O
- D. CnH2n+1OH
Answer
CnH2nO
Explanation
The general formula for aldehydes is CnH2nO, where n is the number of carbon atoms. This reflects the presence of a carbonyl group at the end of the carbon chain.
Common mistake
Incorrect Naming of Aldehydes
Students often confuse the naming of aldehydes with ketones, mistakenly using the suffix '-one' instead of '-al'.
Remember that aldehydes are named with the suffix '-al' (e.g., ethanal), while ketones use '-one' (e.g., propanone).
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