carbonyl compound

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June 22, 2026

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A carbonyl compound is defined by the presence of a carbonyl group, which consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O). This group is a key feature in organic chemistry, found in aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, and amides.12

The polarity of the carbonyl group, due to the difference in electron affinity between carbon and oxygen, influences the properties of these compounds, leading to higher melting and boiling points compared to hydrocarbons. This polarity also dictates their reactivity, with the carbon atom being susceptible to nucleophilic attack and the oxygen atom to electrophilic attack.13

Aldehydes and ketones are characterized by the carbonyl group being attached to alkyl or aryl groups and at least one hydrogen atom (in aldehydes) or two carbon atoms (in ketones). Many carbonyl compounds, particularly esters, are known for their pleasant, fruity aromas and are used in perfumes and flavorings. They also play vital roles in biological processes, such as in carbohydrates and hormones.1345

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coordination compound
Carbonyl complexes
Following the discovery of the first metal carbonyl complex, tetracarbonylnickel, Ni(CO)₄, in 1890, many compounds containing carbon monoxide coordinated to transition metals have been prepared and characterized. For reasons already discussed, such compounds generally contain metal atoms or ions in low oxidation states.…
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Following the discovery of the first metal carbonyl complex, tetracarbonylnickel, Ni(CO)₄, in 1890, many compounds containing carbon monoxide coordinated to transition metals have been prepared and characterized. For reasons already discussed, such compounds generally contain metal atoms or ions in low oxidation states.…
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organosulfur compound
The sulfur atom
…much more reactive than simple carbonyl (C=O) compounds. In the case of the homologues of carbonyl compounds, the difference in reactivity is attributed to the poorer match in the size of the orbitals of the carbon and sulfur double bond (carbon 2p and sulfur 3p) or the carbon and selenium…
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…much more reactive than simple carbonyl (C=O) compounds. In the case of the homologues of carbonyl compounds, the difference in reactivity is attributed to the poorer match in the size of the orbitals of the carbon and sulfur double bond (carbon 2p and sulfur 3p) or the carbon and selenium…
Read More