In an aldehyde or a ketone, what is an α-carbon?
A) the terminal carbon atom
B) the carbon atom of the carbonyl group
C) the carbon atom that is adjacent to the carbonyl group
D) none of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The α-carbon in an aldehyde or a ketone refers to the carbon atom adjacent to the carbonyl group. This carbon is often involved in many important chemical reactions, such as nucleophilic addition reactions. The terminal carbon atom (A) and the carbon atom of the carbonyl group (B) do not play a significant role in these reactions.

In an Aldehyde or a Ketone, What Is an α-Carbon