Introduction
Both aldehydes and Ketone contain the carbonyl group, and they are simple in structure because they lack reactive groups such as –Cl and –OH directly attached to the C atom in the carbonyl group. In a more advanced level, I would like to study the different products and the variety of reactions leading to these products. These particular products have a wide range of uses and play an inevitable role in industrial processes. Also, the fact that ketones and aldehydes are widespread comprising animals, plants, and microorganisms as well as human beings appeals to me.
Advanced Knowledge and Future Goals
Having more advanced knowledge of reaction mechanisms and different products of aldehydes and ketones relates to my future goals for the PA program. These products are important in medical fields to carry out specific functions. In pharmaceuticals, they serve as solvents and flavoring agents as well as intermediates in the manufacturing of drugs. Benzaldehyde and Cinnamaldehyde are the best examples of flavoring agents that important in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. Addiction to some common opiates such as morphine, opium, and heroin can be cured using methadone.
Importance in the Body
The ketones and aldehydes perform important functions in the body of human beings and other living things. The steroid hormones such as testosterone, progesterone, aldosterone, and cortisone are important ketones and an aldehyde such as retinal, which upon combining with the proteins within the eye's retina forms the rhodopsin. This compound is important in the process of vision.
Summary
In summary, I would like to focus on the reactions mechanisms of aldehydes and ketones such formation of hemiacetal, acetal, imines, enamines, and cyanohydrin as well as reduction using metal hydrides and organometallics which are important in the synthesis of essential medicinal products.
