Hexanone

Definition

Hexanone is a simple aliphatic ketone with the molecular formula C6H12O. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic odor, and is commonly used as a solvent and an intermediate in organic synthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The name 'hexanone' is derived from the presence of a six-carbon chain (hex-) and a ketone (-one) functional group.
2. Hexanone is a simple ketone, with the carbonyl group located at the second carbon position of the hexane chain.
3. In the context of 19.1 Naming Aldehydes and Ketones, hexanone is an example of a straight-chain ketone that can be named using the IUPAC nomenclature system.
4. The position of the carbonyl group is indicated by a number, and the longest carbon chain is numbered to give the carbonyl group the lowest possible number.
5. Hexanone is a common organic solvent used in various industrial applications, such as in the production of paints, coatings, and adhesives.

Review Questions

• Explain the IUPAC naming convention for hexanone and how it relates to the position of the carbonyl group.
  • According to the IUPAC naming convention, hexanone is named by identifying the longest carbon chain (in this case, a six-carbon chain) and then indicating the position of the carbonyl group. Since the carbonyl group is located at the second carbon position, the compound is named 2-hexanone. The number '2' specifies the position of the carbonyl group, while the suffix '-one' indicates the presence of a ketone functional group.
• Describe the structural features of hexanone and how they influence its chemical and physical properties.
  • Hexanone is a straight-chain aliphatic ketone with the carbonyl group located at the second carbon position. This structural feature affects its physical and chemical properties. As a ketone, hexanone has a carbonyl group that can participate in various reactions, such as nucleophilic addition and oxidation. The presence of the six-carbon chain also contributes to its solvent-like properties, making it miscible with other organic solvents. Additionally, the position of the carbonyl group influences the reactivity and stability of the molecule compared to other ketone isomers.
• Analyze the importance of understanding the naming and structure of hexanone in the context of 19.1 Naming Aldehydes and Ketones.
  • Comprehending the naming and structural features of hexanone is crucial in the context of 19.1 Naming Aldehydes and Ketones. As a simple ketone, hexanone exemplifies the principles of IUPAC nomenclature, where the position of the carbonyl group is indicated by a numerical prefix. Understanding this naming convention and the relationship between the structure and the functional group is essential for accurately identifying and differentiating various aldehydes and ketones, which are important classes of organic compounds with diverse applications in chemistry and biochemistry.

Related terms

Ketone: A functional group containing a carbonyl (C=O) group with two alkyl or aryl groups attached to the carbon atom.

Nomenclature: The systematic naming of organic compounds based on the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) rules.

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