Ketones
Ketones are organic compounds that contain a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups. They are a type of carbonyl compound, along with aldehydes and carboxylic acids.

Structure
- The general formula for a ketone is R1(C=O)R2, where R1 and R2 can be alkyl or aryl groups.
- The carbonyl carbon in a ketone is sp2 hybridized, giving it a trigonal planar geometry.
- Ketones are named by replacing the -e at the end of the alkane name with -one.

Physical Properties
- Ketones are generally colorless liquids or solids with a pleasant fruity odor.
- They have higher boiling points than alkanes but lower boiling points than alcohols due to dipole-dipole interactions.

Chemical Properties
- Ketones undergo nucleophilic addition reactions at the carbonyl group.
- They can be reduced to secondary alcohols through hydrogenation or by using reducing agents like NaBH4.
- Ketones can also undergo oxidation to form carboxylic acids.

Uses
- Ketones are widely used in the production of solvents, pharmaceuticals, and fragrances.
- Acetone, a simple ketone, is commonly used as a solvent in nail polish removers and paint thinners.
In conclusion, ketones play a significant role in organic chemistry due to their versatile chemical properties and numerous industrial applications. Understanding the structure and reactivity of ketones is essential for students studying organic chemistry at the Class 12 level.