Industrial Importance of Ketones and Aldehydes

Acetone is the most important commercial ketone, with over 3 billion kilograms used each year. Both acetone and methyl ethyl ketone (2-butanone) are common industrial solvents. These ketones dissolve a wide range of organic matmals, have convenient boiling points for easy distillation, and have low toxicities. 

Many other ketones and aldehydes are used as flavorings and additives to foods, drugs, and other products. For example, benzaldehyde is the primary component of almond extract, and ( —)-carvone gives spearmint chewing gum its minty flavor. Table 18-4 lists some simple ketones and aldehydes with well-known odors and flavors. Pyrethrin, isolated from pyrethrum flowers, is commercially extracted for use as a natural insecticide. Natural or not, pyrethrin can cause severe allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, and other toxic effects in animals. 

TABLE 18-4 Ketones and Aldehydes Used in Household Products 

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Structure of the Carbonyl Group 817 18-3 Nomenclature of Ketones and Aldehydes 818 18-4 Physical Properties of Ketones and Aldehydes 820 18-5 Spectroscopy of Ketones and Aldehydes 822 18-6 Industrial Importance of Ketones and Aldehydes 828 18-7 Review of Syntheses of Ketones and Aldehydes 829 18-8 Synthesis of Ketones from Carboxylic Acids 833 18-9 Synthesis of Ketones and Aldehydes from Nitriles 833... 

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