Science, Tech, Math › Science Carbonyl Definition in Chemistry What Is a Carbonyl Group in Chemistry? Print The carbonyl functional group is based on the ketone group. It has the formula RCOR'. The prefix for this group is keto- or oxo- or its suffix is -one. Ben Mills 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 July 06, 2019 Organic chemistry contains names for many different molecules and groups of molecules that participate in chemical reactions. These groups of molecules are called functional groups. The carbonyl group is an important group that contains the element carbon. Carbonyl Definition The term carbonyl refers to the carbonyl functional group which is a divalent group consisting of a carbon atom with a double-bond to oxygen, C=O. Carbonyl also may refer to a compound formed by a metal with carbon monoxide (=CO). Bivalent radical CO is found in ketones, acids, and aldehydes. Many of the molecules involved in the senses of smell and taste involve aromatic compounds with carbonyl groups. Read More Definition of Carboxyl Group in Chemistry By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. The C=O entity is the carbonyl group, while a molecule that contains the group is called a carbonyl compound. Also Known As: carbonyl group, carbonyl functional group Carbonyl Example The metal compound nickel carbonate, Ni(CO)4, contains the CO carbonyl group. Source Wade, Jr., L.G. (2002). Organic Chemistry (5th ed.). Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-033832-X Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Carbonyl Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-carbonyl-605835. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 25). Carbonyl Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-carbonyl-605835 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Carbonyl Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-carbonyl-605835 (accessed April 16, 2024). copy citation