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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Carbonyl and Carboxyl?

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The main difference between carbonyl and carboxyl groups lies in their structure and reactivity. Both groups involve a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, but they differ in the additional atoms or groups bonded to them:

  • Carbonyl group: This group consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom. It is found in compounds such as aldehydes, ketones, and their derivatives. The carbonyl group is not acidic.
  • Carboxyl group: This group consists of a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group bonded to each other. It is found in compounds like carboxylic acids, amino acids, and their derivatives. The carboxyl group is acidic and can act as a weak acid, dissociating at high pH values.

In terms of electrophilic character, carboxyl groups are less reactive than carbonyl groups. The carbonyl carbon bears a higher degree of electrophilicity and is therefore more reactive. While carbonyl groups can be reduced using less reactive agents like sodium borohydride, carboxyl groups require stronger reagents like lithium aluminum hydride.

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  • What is the Difference Between Carbonyl and Carboxyl?
  • Comparative Table: Carbonyl vs Carboxyl

    • Comparative Table: Carbonyl vs Carboxyl

    Here is a table comparing the differences between carbonyl and carboxyl groups:

    Property Carbonyl Group Carboxyl Group
    Structure Carbonyl consists of carbon atoms double bonded to an oxygen atom. Carboxyl group contains a carbonyl group as well as a hydroxyl group.
    Polarity Carbonyl groups are polar due to the charge separation between the oxygen and carbon atoms. Carboxyl groups are polar and can release protons from their hydroxyl group.
    Solubility Carbonyl groups are found in many different biological molecules, including proteins, peptides, and carbohydrates. Carboxyl groups are commonly found in amino acids, fatty acids, and other biomolecules.
    Hybridization Both carbonyl and carboxylic compounds are sp2 hybridized. Both carbonyl and carboxylic compounds are sp2 hybridized.
    Reactivity The carbonyl group is relatively reactive due to the difference in electronegativity between carbon and oxygen. The carboxyl group can ionize by releasing the hydrogen atom (proton) from their "-OH" group.
    Examples Examples of carbonyl compounds include acetone, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde. Examples of carboxyl compounds include acetic acid, benzoic acid, and formic acid.

    In summary, the key distinction between carbonyl and carboxyl groups is that a carboxyl group contains a carbonyl group as well as a hydroxyl group, while a carbonyl group only consists of a carbon double-bonded to an oxygen atom. Carboxyl groups can ionize by releasing protons from their hydroxyl group, while carbonyl groups cannot.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.