Carbonyl group meaning

A carbonyl group is a functional group consisting of a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen atom.


Carbonyl group definitions

Word backwards lynobrac puorg
Part of speech The part of speech of "carbonyl" is noun.
Syllabic division car-bo-nyl group
Plural The plural of the word carbonyl group is carbonyl groups.
Total letters 13
Vogais (3) a,o,u
Consonants (8) c,r,b,n,y,l,g,p

The carbonyl group is a functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom. This arrangement creates a highly polarized structure, making carbonyl groups crucial in various chemical reactions and biological processes.

One of the most common examples of a carbonyl group is found in aldehydes and ketones. In aldehydes, the carbonyl group is located at the end of a carbon chain, while in ketones, it is situated within the chain. Both types of compounds exhibit distinct chemical properties due to the presence of the carbonyl group.

Chemical Reactivity

The presence of the carbonyl group imparts unique reactivity to molecules. The partial positive charge on the carbon atom makes it susceptible to nucleophilic attack, leading to various chemical transformations such as reduction, oxidation, and addition reactions.

Biological Significance

In biological systems, carbonyl groups play essential roles in various processes. For instance, carbonyl compounds are involved in energy production through the oxidation of carbohydrates and fats. Additionally, they partake in the formation of peptide bonds in proteins, contributing to their structural stability and function.

Overall, the carbonyl group is a versatile functional group with crucial implications in both chemical and biological contexts. Its unique structure and reactivity make it a fundamental building block in organic chemistry and a key player in numerous biochemical pathways.


Carbonyl group Examples

  1. The carbonyl group in acetone gives it its characteristic smell.
  2. Aldehydes and ketones contain a carbonyl group as their functional group.
  3. Enzymes often interact with the carbonyl group of substrates in biochemical reactions.
  4. The reactivity of a carbonyl group can be influenced by neighboring functional groups.
  5. Carbonyl compounds are widely used in organic synthesis due to the versatility of the carbonyl group.
  6. The presence of a carbonyl group can affect the boiling point of a compound.
  7. Carbonyl compounds undergo nucleophilic addition reactions at the carbonyl group.
  8. Chemists often use spectroscopic techniques to analyze the structure of carbonyl compounds based on their carbonyl group.
  9. Carbonyl groups play a crucial role in the formation of peptide bonds in proteins.
  10. The polarity of the carbonyl group makes it an important functional group in organic chemistry.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 06/04/2024 - 03:23:53