Formyl Group

Definition

The formyl group is a functional group in organic chemistry that consists of a carbonyl group (a carbon-oxygen double bond) attached to a hydrogen atom. It is represented by the chemical formula -CHO and is the simplest aldehyde functional group.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The formyl group is the simplest aldehyde functional group, and it is often found in the starting compounds for many organic reactions.
2. Compounds containing the formyl group are named by adding the prefix 'formyl-' to the name of the parent hydrocarbon.
3. The formyl group is a highly reactive functional group due to the partial positive charge on the carbonyl carbon, making it susceptible to nucleophilic attack.
4. The formyl group can be oxidized to a carboxylic acid group, which is a common transformation in organic synthesis.
5. The presence of the formyl group can be detected using chemical tests, such as the Tollens' test or the Fehling's test, which rely on the group's ability to be oxidized.

Review Questions

• Explain the structural features and chemical properties of the formyl group.
  • The formyl group, -CHO, consists of a carbonyl group (a carbon-oxygen double bond) attached to a hydrogen atom. This makes it the simplest aldehyde functional group. The carbonyl carbon in the formyl group has a partial positive charge, making it susceptible to nucleophilic attack. The formyl group is highly reactive and can be easily oxidized to a carboxylic acid group, a common transformation in organic synthesis. The presence of the formyl group can be detected using chemical tests that rely on its ability to be oxidized.
• Describe how the formyl group is incorporated into the naming of organic compounds.
  • Compounds containing the formyl group are named by adding the prefix 'formyl-' to the name of the parent hydrocarbon. For example, the compound with the formyl group attached to a methyl group would be named 'formylmethane.' This naming convention helps to clearly identify the presence and location of the formyl group within the organic molecule, which is important for understanding its reactivity and potential transformations.
• Analyze the role of the formyl group in the context of aldehyde and carbonyl chemistry.
  • As the simplest aldehyde functional group, the formyl group is a key structural feature in the chemistry of aldehydes. The carbonyl carbon of the formyl group has a partial positive charge, making it susceptible to nucleophilic attack, a common reaction pathway for aldehydes. Additionally, the formyl group can be oxidized to a carboxylic acid group, a transformation that is often utilized in organic synthesis. The formyl group's reactivity and its relationship to other carbonyl-containing functional groups, such as carboxylic acids, are crucial to understanding its role in the broader context of carbonyl chemistry.

Related terms

Aldehyde: An organic compound containing a carbonyl group (a carbon-oxygen double bond) with the carbonyl carbon also bonded to at least one hydrogen atom.

Carbonyl Group: A functional group in organic chemistry consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom.

Carboxylic Acid: An organic compound containing a carboxyl group (-COOH), which is a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH).