Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids - Uses of Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.
🔑Concepts
Formaldehyde () is used in the form of a aqueous solution known as Formalin, which is primarily used to preserve biological specimens and in the manufacture of polymers like Bakelite.
Acetaldehyde () serves as a key starting material for the industrial production of acetic acid, ethyl acetate, and various drugs.
Acetone () and ethyl methyl ketone are common industrial solvents, particularly for gums, resins, nitrocellulose, and nail polish.
Benzaldehyde () is extensively used in the perfumery and dye industries, providing a characteristic bitter almond flavor.
Methanoic acid () finds applications in rubber, textile, tanning, and electroplating industries.
Ethanoic acid () is used as a solvent and in the food industry as vinegar ( solution).
Adipic acid () is a critical monomer in the manufacture of Nylon-6,6.
Sodium benzoate (), the salt of benzoic acid, is widely used as a food preservative to prevent microbial growth.
📐Formulae
💡Examples
Problem 1:
Explain why Formalin is used in biology laboratories and state its chemical composition.
Solution:
Formalin is a aqueous solution of formaldehyde (). It is used to preserve biological specimens because it cross-links proteins, effectively 'fixing' the tissue and preventing decay or bacterial decomposition.
Explanation:
The cross-linking of amino groups in proteins by makes the biological structure rigid and resistant to degradation.
Problem 2:
Name the carboxylic acid derivative used as a food preservative and write its chemical formula.
Solution:
The derivative is Sodium Benzoate, and its chemical formula is .
Explanation:
Sodium benzoate is preferred over benzoic acid because it is more soluble in water, allowing it to be easily distributed in food products to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Problem 3:
Identify the ketone used as a common solvent in nail polish removers.
Solution:
The ketone used is Acetone, also known as propan-2-one ().
Explanation:
Acetone is an excellent polar aprotic solvent that can dissolve the polymers and resins found in nail polish.