Aldehüüdirühma

Aldehüüdirühma refers to the functional group characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to at least one hydrogen atom. This structure is represented as -CHO. Aldehydes are organic compounds containing this group, and they are a significant class of chemical compounds. The carbonyl carbon in an aldehyde is electrophilic, making it susceptible to nucleophilic attack. This reactivity is central to many chemical reactions involving aldehydes, such as oxidation, reduction, and nucleophilic addition.

Aldehydes are found naturally in many plants and animals and play roles in biological processes. For instance, formaldehyde, the simplest aldehyde, is used in biological preservation and as a disinfectant. Other aldehydes, like benzaldehyde, are known for their distinct aromas and are used in perfumes and flavorings. The chemical properties of aldehydes allow them to participate in a wide range of synthetic transformations, making them valuable intermediates in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. Their ability to be easily oxidized to carboxylic acids and reduced to primary alcohols further highlights their versatility in organic synthesis.