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Chapter 20: Q48P (page 1145)

Explain why it is not possible to prepare a ketone that contains only two carbon atoms.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Ketones have an oxidation state of \({\rm{ + 2}}\) and do not oxidize further.

Because the oxidation state of aldehydes differs from that of ketones, only aldehydes are feasible with two carbon atoms.

Step by step solution

01

Ketone

The keto group has an oxidation state of\({\rm{ + 2}}\).

And it appears to be as follows: R-C(O)-R denotes alkyl chains including at least one carbon atom, and C(O) denotes a carbonyl group having a double bond between C and O.

02

Explanation

Consider a molecule that has two carbon atoms and a carbonyl group.

Because it needs four bonds around, the carbon atom with the carbonyl group must also include one H atom.

As a result, the H atom reduces the oxidation state of the carbon atom by\({\rm{1}}\).

That's not a ketone but an aldehyde. Aldehydes can be oxidized further but ketones cannot.

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