Which of the following statements is true of aldehydes and ketones?
A) Both aldehydes and ketones are easily oxidized.
B) Neither aldehydes nor ketones are easily oxidized.
C) Aldehydes are easily oxidized, but ketones cannot be readily oxidized.
D) Ketones are easily oxidized, but aldehydes cannot be readily oxidized.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Aldehydes have a hydrogen atom attached to their carbonyl group (C=O) which can be easily oxidized to form a carboxylic acid. Ketones do not have this hydrogen atom and thus cannot be readily oxidized by typical oxidation agents like acidified potassium dichromate. However, ketones can be oxidized under special conditions such as using very strong oxidizing agents or by breaking the C-C bond adjacent to the carbonyl group.

Which of the Following Statements Is True of Aldehydes and Ketones