SCIENTIFIC SERVICES

Carbonyls

A carbonyl group is a functional group composed of a carbon atom doubled-bonded to an oxygen atom : C=O. The Carbonyls tests include the analysis of the following:

• Acetaldehyde
  Also known as ethanal, acetaldehyde is an organic chemical compound with the formula CH3CHO. It is a flammable liquid with a fruity smell. Acetaldehyde occurs naturally in ripe fruit, coffee, and fresh bread.  It is popularly known as the chemical that causes hangovers.
• Acrolein
  It has a piercing, disagreeable, acrid smell similar to Acetaldehyde burning fat. Acrolein is sometimes used as a fixative in preparation of biological specimens for electron microscopy.
• Butyraldehyde
  A colorless flammable liquid with an acrid smell.
• Crotonaldehyde
  It occurs in a variety of foodstuffs, e.g. soybean oils. Sorbic acid, a food preservative, and a precursor to the vitamin E, are prepared from this chemical.
• Formaldehyde
  This compound was the first polyatomic organic molecule detected in the interstellar medium and since its initial detection has been observed in many regions of the galaxy. The textile industry uses formaldehyde-based resins to make fabrics crease-resistant.
• Propionaldehyde
  It is a colourless liquid with a slightly irritating, fruity odour.
• Acetone
  The simplest example of a ketone. Acetone is also used to make plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals. Acetone is also found naturally in the environment, including small amounts in the human body.
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone
  It is a colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet butterscotch odor reminiscent of acetone. It is a natural product made by some trees and found in some fruits and vegetables in small amounts. Methyl Ethyl Ketone is used in the synthetic rubber industry, and as a catalyst for polyester resin hardening.