Science, Tech, Math › Science Ketone Definition in Chemistry What Exactly Is a Ketone? Print evan p. cordes / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on October 02, 2019 A ketone is a compound containing a carbonyl functional group bridging two groups of atoms. The general formula for a ketone is RC(=O)R' where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups.IUPAC ketone functional group names contain "oxo" or "keto". Ketones are named by changing the -e on the end of the parent alkane name to -one. Read More Acetal Definition in Chemistry By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Ketone Exampes Acetone is a ketone. The carbonyl group is connected to the alkane propane, therefore the IUPAC name for acetone would be propanone. Source McMurry, John E. (1992). Organic Chemistry (3rd ed.). Belmont: Wadsworth. ISBN 0-534-16218-5. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Ketone Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-ketone-605282. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 28). Ketone Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-ketone-605282 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Ketone Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-ketone-605282 (accessed April 23, 2024). copy citation