carbonyl compounds

Carbonyl compounds are organic molecules that contain a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, known as a carbonyl group. These compounds include aldehydes and ketones, which are common in natural and industrial processes. In aldehydes, the carbonyl group is attached to at least one hydrogen atom, while in ketones, it’s connected to two other carbon groups. Carbonyl compounds are important because they participate in many chemical reactions, such as forming larger molecules or breaking down into simpler ones. They are found in substances like sugars, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals, playing a key role in chemistry and biology.