2oxobutanal

2-Oxobutanal, also known as alpha-ketoaldehyde of butyraldehyde, is an organic compound with the formula C4H6O2. It consists of a four-carbon chain bearing an aldehyde group at the terminal carbon and a ketone group on the adjacent carbon, giving the structural arrangement O=CH-CO-CH2-CH3. This places the two carbonyl groups in close proximity, making 2-oxobutanal a reactive member of the class of α-ketoaldehydes.

Synonyms for this compound include 2-oxobutanal and 2-oxobutyraldehyde. In nomenclature, the name reflects its functional groups and the position of the ketone relative to the aldehyde.

Preparation and occurrence are typically described in the context of α-ketoaldehydes. 2-Oxobutanal can be generated through selective oxidation routes that target α-hydroxyaldehydes or related precursors used in carbonyl chemistry. It is mainly discussed in chemical literature as a representative example of α-ketoaldehydes rather than as a common bulk chemical.

Reactivity and properties of 2-oxobutanal arise from its two carbonyl groups. The aldehyde function undergoes standard carbonyl chemistry, including nucleophilic additions and condensations, while the adjacent ketone can participate in enolization and further transformations. The compound serves as a useful synthetic intermediate in studies of carbonyl reactivity and in preparations that require a two-carbonyl framework. In reductions, selective conversion can yield hydroxyaldehydes or alcohol derivatives; broader transformations may involve oxidation or condensation to more complex carbonyl compounds.

Safety and handling should reflect the irritant and reactive nature of aldehydes and α-ketoaldehydes. It should be used under appropriate laboratory controls, with handling in a fume hood and appropriate personal protective equipment.