Question

which of the following is the formula for the simplest aldehyde? select the correct answer below: o ch3coh o ch3ch2cho o ch3coch3 o hcho

Explanation:

Aldehydes have the general formula \( R - CHO \). The simplest aldehyde has the smallest \( R \) group. Here, \( R = H \) (in \( HCHO \)) gives the simplest aldehyde. \( CH_3COH \) is not a standard aldehyde formula. \( CH_3CH_2CHO \) has a larger \( R \) group (\( CH_3CH_2 - \)). \( CH_3COCH_3 \) is a ketone (has \( -CO - \) group in the middle of the carbon chain).

Answer:

\(\text{HCHO}\)