carbaldehyde

Carbaldehyde refers to a functional group within organic chemistry characterized by a formyl group, which consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) directly bonded to a hydrogen atom (-CHO). This group is the simplest aldehyde. When this functional group is the sole or principal functional group in a molecule, the compound is referred to as a carbaldehyde. The most basic and well-known example of a carbaldehyde is formaldehyde (methanal), with the chemical formula CH2O. Formaldehyde is a gas at room temperature and is widely used as a disinfectant, preservative, and in the production of resins and plastics. Other carbaldehydes, while less common, exist as more complex molecules where the formyl group is attached to a carbon chain or ring. The reactivity of the carbaldehyde group is largely due to the polar nature of the carbonyl bond and the presence of the hydrogen atom. Carbaldehydes are susceptible to nucleophilic addition reactions and can be oxidized to carboxylic acids or reduced to primary alcohols. Their chemical behavior makes them important intermediates in various organic synthesis pathways.