monoketo

Monoketo is a term that can refer to compounds containing a single ketone functional group. Formed from mono- and keto, it is closely related to the standard chemistry term monoketone, though monoketo is more commonly found as an informal or shorthand usage rather than a formal IUPAC name.

In organic chemistry, a monoketone has exactly one carbonyl group, typically written as R-CO-R'. Common examples include acetone (propanone), cyclohexanone, acetophenone, and benzophenone. In contrast, diketones contain two carbonyl groups, and polyketones have three or more.

Properties and reactivity: the carbonyl in a monoketone confers polarity and a characteristic infrared C=O stretch near 1700 cm-1. Monoketones participate in typical ketone chemistry, including nucleophilic additions to the carbonyl and reductions to secondary alcohols.

Applications: monoketone derivatives are common intermediates in organic synthesis, used in fragrance and flavor chemistry, pharmaceutical development, and as solvents (for example, acetone). Some monoketones also serve as precursors to more complex molecules through condensation or oxidation reactions.

Terminology: while monoketo is encountered in literature and discussion, it is less precise than monoketone, which is the standard term in IUPAC nomenclature. Readers should rely on monoketone for formal contexts; monoketo may appear in product names or informal texts.