Carbonyl Group
A carbonyl group is a functional group characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, represented as C=O. This group is found in various organic compounds, including aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. The presence of the carbonyl group significantly influences the chemical properties and reactivity of these compounds.
Carbonyl groups play a crucial role in many biological processes and industrial applications. For example, they are involved in the formation of polymers and are key components in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. Understanding carbonyl groups is essential for studying organic chemistry and biochemistry.