Aldehydes and Ketones

• Aldehydes can be oxidised to carboxylic acids, ketones cannot be oxidised.
• Aldehydes and ketones can be reduced to form primary and secondary alcohols.
• Reducing agents such as NaBH4 (dissolved in methanol and water) can reduce aldehyde and ketones.
• Potassium cyanide reacts with carbonyl compounds to produce hydroxynitriles.
• When potassium cyanide is dissolved in acidic solutions, it dissociates to form K+ and CN- ions.
• If we use an unsymmetrical ketone or aldehyde, a mixture of enantiomers is produced.
• Risks of KCN:

  • irritant and dangerous if ingested or inhaled
  • can form the toxic gas HCN when reacted with moisture
• To reduce risks of KCN:

  • Wear gloves
  • Wear safety goggles
  • Wear lab coat
  • Use fume cupboard