Uses of Aldehydes and Ketones

Uses of Aldehydes and Ketones

Formaldehyde

(i) 40% aqueous solution of formaldehyde is called formalin. It is used for preserving biological specimens.

(ii) Formalin has hardening effect, hence it is used for tanning.

(iii) Formalin is used in the production of thermo setting plastic known as bakelite, which is obtained by heating phenol with formalin.

Acetaldehye

(i) Acetaldehyde is used for silvering of mirrors

(ii) Paraldehyde is used in medicine as a hypnotic.

(iii) Acetaldehyde is used in the commercial preparation of number of organic compounds like acetic acid, ethyl acetate etc.,

Acetone

(i) Acetone is used as a solvent, in the manufacture of smokeless gun powder (cordite)

(ii) It is used as a nail polish remover.

(iii) It is used in the preparation of sulphonal, a hypnotic.

(iv) It is used in the manufacture of thermosoftening plastic Perspex.

Benzaldehyde is used

(i) as a flavoring agent

(ii) in perfumes

(iii) in dye intermediates

(iv) as starting material for the synthesis of several other organic compounds like cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, benzoyl chloride etc.

Aromatic Ketones

(i) Acetophenone has been used in perfumery and as a hypnotic under the name hypnone.

(ii) Benzophenone is used in perfumery and in the preparation of benzhydrol eye drop.