CBSE Class 12 Chemistry – Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

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12th

12th - Chemistry

Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Chapter Overview

This chapter introduces three important classes of organic compounds – aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. It explains their structure, nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, and key reactions. The chapter highlights nucleophilic addition reactions, oxidation-reduction behavior, and functional group transformations. It also covers acidic strength of carboxylic acids and their reaction mechanisms, including aldol condensation, Cannizzaro reaction, and esterification.

Important Keywords

  • Aldehyde: An organic compound with a -CHO functional group.
  • Ketone: An organic compound containing a carbonyl group (>C=O) bonded to two alkyl groups.
  • Carboxylic Acid: Contains a carboxyl group (-COOH) with acidic hydrogen.
  • Nucleophilic Addition: Reaction of a nucleophile with the electrophilic carbon of the carbonyl group.
  • Aldol Condensation: Formation of β-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone, followed by dehydration to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound.
  • Cannizzaro Reaction: Base-induced redox reaction of aldehydes without α-hydrogen.
  • Esterification: Reaction of a carboxylic acid with alcohol in presence of acid to form ester.
  • Tollens’ Test: A test for aldehydes using ammoniacal AgNO₃ solution.
  • Fehling’s Test: A test to distinguish aldehydes from ketones.
  • Acidity: Ability of carboxylic acid to donate a proton due to resonance stabilization of carboxylate ion.

Detailed Notes

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