Formylverbindungen

Formylverbindungen are organic compounds that contain the formyl group, which is a carbonyl group bonded to a hydrogen atom, with the chemical formula CHO. This functional group is characteristic of aldehydes. The simplest formylverbindung is formaldehyde (HCHO), a gas at room temperature that is widely used in industry and research. Other formylverbindungen include a vast array of organic molecules where the formyl group is attached to a carbon atom within a larger molecular structure.

The formyl group is highly reactive, participating in numerous chemical reactions. Aldehydes, as a class, are known for their ability to undergo oxidation to carboxylic acids, reduction to alcohols, and nucleophilic addition reactions. This reactivity makes formylverbindungen important intermediates in organic synthesis. They are found in many naturally occurring substances, including fragrances, flavors, and biologically active molecules. For example, vanillin, the primary compound responsible for the aroma of vanilla, is a formylverbindung. The presence of the formyl group significantly influences the physical and chemical properties of the molecule it is attached to, affecting its polarity, solubility, and reactivity.