Background:

Aldehydes are carbon chain molecules for which the primary carbon has a double bond with a terminating oxygen atom. Their primary use is as an intermediate product which is created whole converting alcohols into organic acids. However a number of noteable aldhydes exist which we come into contact with on a regular basis. Methanal (Formaldehyde) - CH2H is a common preservative used on the organic materials we find in in biology labs; Ethanal (Acetaldehyde) - An biproduct of our body's processing of ethanol known to be responsible for hangovers; Glucose - A sugar and the original natural sweetener; Benzaldehyde - Used and industrial solvent it also finds use as an artificial almond flavouring; Cinnamaldehyde - The active ingredient in cinnamon that gives it its distinctive spice flavouring;

Uses and Applications:

Laboratory Preparation:

Naming Conventions:

Bibliography: