Uses of Aldehydes
One of the simplest aldehydes is the formaldehyde. There is a number of aldehydes which have many applications in our daily life due to their chemical properties. Some common uses of the aldehydes are described in this article.
One of the most famous aldehydes is formaldehyde that is a gas. It makes formalin with the 40% solution in the water and this formalin is used for preserving the biological specimens. Worldwide formaldehyde is used to a significant extent in the industry and it is utilized in the tons per year. It is used in the tanning, embalming, and preparing the glues, and the polymeric products such as insecticides, germicides, and fungicides for the plants. It is also used in photography and drug testing. When formaldehyde is reacted with the phenol it forms the Bakelite that is used in the coatings, adhesives, and the plastics. For the production of pyridine derivatives, and acetic acid, acetaldehyde is largely used. Benzaldehyde is used in cosmetic products, dyes, and perfumes. It is also added to the food products to give the almond flavor and is also been used as the bee repellent. Many aldehydes naturally occur as flavoring agents such as benzaldehyde gives the flavor and odor of the fresh almonds, vanillin, and the oil of cinnamon are main flavoring agents for the vanilla beans. Many aldehydes have various essential functions in the bodies of human beings and other living organisms.
Uses of Ketones
Acetone is the most common ketone and is an ideal solvent for the many synthetic fibers and the plastics. Acetone is used in the household as paint thinner and as nail polish remover. In medicine, it is widely used for acne treatment and chemical peeling. Methyl ethyl ketone that is chemically known as the butanone is commonly used solvent and is being used for the production of plastics, varnishes, textiles, paraffin, wax, and paint remover, etc. Due to its dissolving properties, it is also used for the welding of the plastics. Another important ketone is the cyclohexanone that is primarily used for the production of nylon.
On a massive scale, ketones are produced as the industrial solvents, pharmaceuticals, and polymer precursors. Cyclohexanone and methylethylketone are commonly used in biochemistry. Mainly the products of ketones are used in the paints and perfumes, for stabilizing the ingredients and to avoid the degradation in time.