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VCE Chemistry Unit 4 AOS 1

VCE Chemistry Unit 4, AOS 1: Interactive Study Guide

Carbonyl Compounds: Aldehydes & Ketones

This section establishes the molecular foundation for the entire Area of Study. A comprehensive understanding of the structure, nomenclature, and physical properties of aldehydes and ketones is non-negotiable, as these characteristics directly dictate their behaviour.

Aldehydes

Carbonyl group at the end of a carbon chain, bonded to at least one hydrogen.

R–CHO
  • Suffix: -al (e.g., Butanal)
  • Position: Always at C1, no number needed.
  • Reactivity: Easily oxidised.

Ketones

Carbonyl group within a carbon chain, bonded to two other carbons.

R–CO–R’
  • Suffix: -one (e.g., Butan-2-one)
  • Position: Numbered to give lowest possible locant.
  • Reactivity: Resistant to oxidation.

Property Comparator: Intermolecular Forces

Physical properties like boiling point are a direct result of intermolecular forces (IMFs). This tool compares compounds with similar molar masses to isolate the effect of the functional group. Observe how IMF strength (Dispersion < Dipole-Dipole < H-Bonding) affects boiling point.

Key Reactions: Oxidation & Reduction

The structural difference between aldehydes and ketones dictates their reactivity. Explore their transformations upon reacting with common oxidising and reducing agents. Select a reactant and reaction type to see the result.

Propanal

$CH_3CH_2CHO$

→

Propanoic Acid

$CH_3CH_2COOH$

Synthesis: Biodiesel & Equilibrium

Transesterification is a reversible reaction used to produce biodiesel from triglycerides (fats/oils). To achieve a high yield, chemists apply Le Chatelier’s Principle. Toggle the switch to see how industrial conditions drive the reaction forward.

Basic Lab Conditions Industrial Yield Conditions
Triglyceride + 3 Methanol
⇌
Glycerol + 3 FAMEs (Biodiesel)

▲ Excess Methanol Added

▼ Glycerol Removed

Equilibrium State

In a simple setup, the reaction is reversible and reaches equilibrium with significant amounts of reactants still present, resulting in a low yield.

The Analysis Toolkit: Solving the Puzzle

No single technique can determine a structure. Chemists use a workflow, combining data from Mass Spec (MS), Infrared (IR), and NMR spectroscopy. Follow the steps below to identify an unknown compound with the formula $C_4H_8O_2$.

Select a step to reveal the spectral data and interpretation.

Medicinal Chemistry: Enzyme Inhibition

Many drugs work by inhibiting enzymes. A competitive inhibitor is a molecule structurally similar to the enzyme’s natural substrate, allowing it to block the active site. This simulation shows how this molecular mimicry works.

Enzyme Inhibition Simulation

Enzyme

Substrate
Inhibitor

The enzyme’s active site has a shape complementary to its substrate. Click ‘Bind Substrate’ to see the normal reaction.

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