Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Question:

Which of the following is the least soluble in water?

Options:

Methanal 

Ethanal 

Pentanal 

Propanone 

Correct Answer:

Pentanal 

Explanation:

The lower aldehydes and ketones are miscible in water in all proportions due to the ability of the polar carbonyl group to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. However, the solubility rapidly decreases as the length of the alkyl chain increases. Precisely, aldehydes and ketones with more than 4 carbon atoms are practically insoluble in water.