What is the naming convention for ketones?

The naming convention for ketones is to use the suffix "one." Ketones are a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) attached to two carbon atoms, which are part of the carbon chain.

In the IUPAC naming system, the general format for naming is to identify the longest carbon chain that includes the carbonyl group and then replace the suffix "e" of the corresponding alkane name with "one." For example, the ketone derived from hexane is called hexanone. This naming clearly indicates the functional group characteristic of ketones, differentiating them from other classes of compounds such as aldehydes, hydrocarbons, and alkenes, which use different suffixes like "al," "yne," and "ene," respectively.

This systematic approach allows for a clear understanding of the structure and functional groups present in a molecule, which is essential for communicating chemical information effectively.