Provide an example of an acetal and a ketal.

An acetal is a compound with two ether groups bonded to the same carbon atom, while a ketal has two ether groups bonded to different carbon atoms.

Acetals and ketals are both types of organic compounds that contain ether functional groups. The difference between the two lies in the location of the ether groups. In an acetal, both ether groups are attached to the same carbon atom, while in a ketal, the ether groups are attached to different carbon atoms.

One example of an acetal is dimethoxymethane, which has two methoxy (CH3O) groups attached to the same carbon atom. Acetals are commonly used as protecting groups in organic synthesis, as they can be easily removed under mild conditions to reveal the original functional group.

A common example of a ketal is 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane, which has two ether groups attached to different carbon atoms. Ketals are often used as solvents or as intermediates in organic synthesis.

Both acetals and ketals are important functional groups in organic chemistry, and their properties and reactions are studied extensively in A-Level Biology and Chemistry courses.

Study and Practice for Free

Trusted by 100,000+ Students Worldwide

Achieve Top Grades in your Exams with our Free Resources.

Practice Questions, Study Notes, and Past Exam Papers for all Subjects!

Need help from an expert?

4.93/5 based on546 reviews

The world’s top online tutoring provider trusted by students, parents, and schools globally.

Related Chemistry a-level Answers

    Read All Answers
    Loading...