arylketone

Arylketone is a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of an aryl group, which is an aromatic ring like benzene, directly attached to a carbonyl group (C=O). This carbonyl group is also bonded to another atom or group, which can be another aryl group (forming a diarylketone), an alkyl group (forming an alkyl arylketone), or a hydrogen atom (forming an aryl aldehyde, though these are typically categorized separately). The general formula for an arylketone is Ar-CO-R, where Ar represents an aryl group and R can be an aryl, alkyl, or hydrogen group.

The arylketone functional group imparts specific chemical and physical properties to the molecule. The aromatic ring influences the reactivity of the carbonyl group, often making it less reactive towards nucleophilic addition compared to simple aliphatic ketones. Arylketones are commonly found in natural products and are also synthesized for various applications. Their aromatic nature contributes to their stability and often results in characteristic UV-visible absorption properties.

Industrially, arylketones are important intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and polymers. For example, benzophenone, a simple diarylketone, is used as a photoinitiator in UV-curing applications and as a UV blocker in sunscreens. Other arylketones, like acetophenone, serve as building blocks for more complex organic molecules. Their synthesis typically involves Friedel-Crafts acylation or oxidation of corresponding secondary alcohols.