Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
Free NCERT-aligned study resource for the 2026–27 academic session.
CBSE weightage: 8 marks. This unit is part of the official 70-mark Chemistry theory course for 2026–27. citeturn0search11
1. What You Need to Learn
Nomenclature; preparation; nucleophilic addition; oxidation and reduction; acidity; reactions of carboxylic acids; important tests and uses.
2. Core Concepts & Formulae
Aldehydes are generally more reactive than ketones toward nucleophilic addition because of steric and electronic effects. Key reactions include cyanohydrin formation, oxime/hydrazone formation, aldol reaction, Cannizzaro reaction, oxidation and reduction. Carboxylic acids show acidic behaviour and form derivatives and salts.
3. Common Mistakes
Learn the reagent-condition-product chain. Distinguish aldehyde tests from ketone behaviour and check whether a compound contains alpha-hydrogen before applying aldol or Cannizzaro reasoning.
4. Exam-Focused Practice
- Identify compounds from chemical tests.
- Predict products of nucleophilic addition.
- Complete aldol and Cannizzaro reactions.
- Compare acidity of substituted carboxylic acids and explain electron-withdrawing effects.
5. Quick Revision Checklist
- Can you define the key terms without looking at the book?
- Can you explain the main trend/reaction/mechanism with a reason?
- Can you solve a numerical or predict a product independently?
- Can you answer an application or competency-based question?