Uses of Aldehydes and Ketones

NCERT Reference: Chapter 8 – Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic and Carboxylic Acids – Page 205

Quick Notes

Aldehydes like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are used in polymer and dye industries.
Ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone are widely used as industrial solvents.
These compounds serve as key intermediates in the synthesis of drugs, fragrances, and plastics.

Full Notes

Aldehydes and ketones play critical roles in real-world applications accross multiple industries.

Methanal - Formaldehyde (HCHO)

NCERT 12 Chemistry structure and key uses of methanal (formaldehyde) including polymers like Bakelite and melamine-formaldehyde resins, and use as preservative (formalin).

Used to manufacture polymers like Bakelite and melamine-formaldehyde resins.
Preservative in biological specimens (formalin = 40% solution in water).
Also used in the leather and textile industry for stiffening fabrics.

Ethanal - Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO)

NCERT 12 Chemistry structure and key uses of ethanal (acetaldehyde) such as making acetic acid, ethanol and as a precursor for pyridine derivatives.

Used in the synthesis of acetic acid, ethanol, and other chemicals.
Serves as a precursor in the manufacture of pyridine derivatives.
Applied in silvering of mirrors via its reducing action in Tollen’s test-like reactions.

Propan-2-one - Acetone (CH₃COCH₃)

NCERT 12 Chemistry structure and key uses of propan-2-one (acetone) including solvent for resins, lacquers and plastics, and in nail polish remover.

A common industrial solvent for resins, lacquers, plastics, and synthetic fibres.
Also used in cosmetic products like nail polish removers.

Butan-2-one - Methyl Ethyl Ketone (CH₃COC₂H₅)

NCERT 12 Chemistry structure and key uses of butan-2-one (methyl ethyl ketone) as a solvent for cellulose nitrate, vinyl polymers and rubber-based adhesives.

Solvent for cellulose nitrate, vinyl polymers, and in the production of rubber-based adhesives.

Benzaldehyde (C₆H₅CHO)

NCERT 12 Chemistry structure and key uses of benzaldehyde in flavouring (almond essence), perfumery, dyes and pharmaceuticals.

Used in flavouring agents (almond essence), perfumery, and in the preparation of dyes and pharmaceuticals.

Summary

Aldehydes and ketones are essential solvents and intermediates across chemical industries.
Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde feed into polymers and bulk chemicals.
Acetone and methyl ethyl ketone are versatile industrial solvents.
Benzaldehyde is valuable in flavours, fragrances and pharmaceuticals.