Acetals, R2C(OR′)2

Definition

Acetals are chemical compounds characterized by two ether-like OR′ groups attached to the same carbon atom, which is also connected to two other R groups. They are formed from the reaction of aldehydes or ketones with alcohols under acidic conditions.

Related terms

Aldehydes:

Organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to at least one hydrogen atom.

Ketones:

Organic compounds featuring a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups.

Nucleophilic Addition Reaction: A type of chemical reaction where a nucleophile forms a bond with an electrophile, leading to the addition of atoms or groups to molecules such as aldehydes and ketones