Question

question 12 · 1 point
which of the following best describes the term aldehyde?
select the correct answer below:
an aldehyde is an organic compound containing a carbonyl group attached to two carbons.
an aldehyde contains a carbonyl group that is attached to one hydrogen atom and usually one carbon substituent.
the main intermolecular force between aldehyde molecules is hydrogen bonding.
an aldehyde is an organic compound containing a carbonyl group with an attached hydroxyl group.

Explanation:

• An aldehyde has the general formula \(R - CHO\), where \(R\) is a carbon - based group (or hydrogen in the case of formaldehyde, \(HCHO\)). The carbonyl group (\(C = O\)) is attached to one hydrogen atom (\(H\)) and one carbon substituent (\(R\)).
• For the first option: A compound with a carbonyl group attached to two carbons is a ketone (\(R - CO - R'\)).
• For the third option: Aldehydes do not have hydrogen bonding as the main intermolecular force. Hydrogen bonding in organic compounds usually occurs when there is an \(O - H\) or \(N - H\) bond. Aldehydes have dipole - dipole interactions as a significant intermolecular force (due to the polar \(C = O\) bond).
• For the fourth option: A compound with a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group (\(-OH\)) attached to the carbonyl carbon is a carboxylic acid (\(R - COOH\)).

Answer:

An aldehyde contains a carbonyl group that is attached to one hydrogen atom and usually one carbon substituent.