What is the general formula for aldehydes?

The general formula for aldehydes is represented as RCHO. In this formula, 'R' stands for a hydrocarbon chain or group that can vary in structure, while 'CHO' designates the functional group characteristic of aldehydes. This functional group consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydrogen atom.

Aldehydes are significant in organic chemistry and are commonly used in various applications, including as solvents, in the production of plastics, and as flavoring agents in food. The structure RCHO highlights the unique property of aldehydes having at least one hydrogen atom directly attached to the carbonyl carbon, distinguishing them from other carbonyl-containing compounds like ketones, which have two carbon groups attached to the carbonyl carbon.

The other options represent different types of organic compounds or functional groups: RCOR represents ketones, where 'R' and 'R' are hydrocarbon chains, ROH denotes alcohols with a hydroxyl group, and C2H6 is the formula for ethane, an alkane, which does not have a carbonyl group at all. Understanding these distinctions is essential for recognizing and classifying organic compounds correctly.