Oxoalkane

Oxoalkanes are a class of organic compounds that are saturated hydrocarbons containing at least one oxygen atom in their molecular structure. They are a broad category encompassing several types of functional groups. The term "oxoalkane" itself implies the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) within an alkane chain, though it is often used more generally to refer to any saturated hydrocarbon with oxygen heteroatoms.

Common examples of oxoalkanes include aldehydes and ketones. Aldehydes are characterized by a carbonyl group at the end of a carbon chain, with the general formula RCHO, where R is an alkyl group or hydrogen. Ketones possess a carbonyl group within the carbon chain, with the general formula RCOR', where R and R' are alkyl groups. Ethers, with the general formula ROR', are also considered oxoalkanes as they contain an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl groups, though they lack a carbonyl group. Alcohols, containing a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a saturated carbon atom (ROH), are sometimes discussed alongside oxoalkanes due to their oxygen content and relationship to the carbonyl functional group through oxidation processes.

The physical and chemical properties of oxoalkanes vary significantly depending on the specific functional group present, the length of the carbon chain, and branching. They are generally less polar than alcohols but more polar than simple alkanes. Their reactivity is largely determined by the presence and position of the oxygen atom. For instance, carbonyl groups in aldehydes and ketones are sites of nucleophilic addition, while the C-O-C bond in ethers is relatively unreactive.