The Carbonyl Group

Aldehydes and Ketones fall into the category of simplest compounds containing
the carbonyl group. They are also essential types of carbonyl compounds. A
carbonyl group consists of carbon and oxygen joined together by a double bond.
The joining of carbonyl carbon is with hydrogen on one side in aldehydes
whereas the joining of two carbon atoms on both the side of carbonyl carbon in
the case of ketones.

In a carbonyl group, the carbon and oxygen have sp2 hybridization and is
planar. Carbonyl group structure is “C=O” and members of this group are
carbonyl compounds (X-C=O).

The joining of the same carbonyl group to an oxygen atom on one side forms
carboxylic acid compounds. The derivatives of this class are anhydrides, esters,
etc. If the attachment of the carbonyl group is to nitrogen then the class of
compounds are amides. Similarly, the joining of the carbonyl group to the
members of halogen group forms acyl halide.