Question

Which organic compound would you rather smell, an aldehyde or a ketone? Explain why. This is not just opinion based, think about the characteristics of both compounds.

Answer 1

Aldehydes are generally more pleasant smelling than ketones. This is because aldehydes contain a carbon-hydrogen bond that is easily broken, allowing them to evaporate quickly and produce a strong, sweet smell. Ketones, on the other hand, contain a carbon-oxygen double bond that is more difficult to break, resulting in a weaker, less pleasant smell.