Ketone
A compound containing a carbonyl group bonded to two carbon atoms.
Formula / equation
R–CO–R′
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
With no hydrogen on the carbonyl carbon, ketones resist further oxidation and give negative results with Tollens' and Fehling's reagents. The two flanking alkyl groups also donate electron density and provide steric hindrance, making ketones less reactive than aldehydes towards nucleophiles.
Examples in the real world
Propanone as a solvent, butanone in adhesives, and the steroid hormones testosterone and progesterone.