7. Uses of Aldehydes and Ketones

Uses of Aldehydes and Ketones

• Act as solvents.
• Act as starting materials and reagents for the synthesis of other products.
• Formalin (40% solution of formaldehyde)- Used for preserving biological specimens manufacturing of  bakelite, urea , formaldehyde glues and other polymers products.
• Acetaldehyde used in the manufacture of acetic acid, ethyl acetate, vinyl acetate, polymers and drugs.
• Benzaldehyde used in perfumery and in dye industries.
• Butyraldehyde, vanillin, camphor, etc., are well known for their odours and flavours.
• Acetone and ethyl methyl ketone are common industrial solvents.