What is the general formula for a ketone?

The correct answer is indeed associated with the structure of a ketone. Ketones are organic compounds characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms. The notation RC(=O)R' indicates that the carbonyl carbon (the C in the formula) is flanked by two carbon-containing groups, represented by R and R'.

In this formula, R and R' can be the same or different alkyl groups, thus forming the general structure of a ketone. The specificity of having the carbonyl group positioned between two carbon atoms is critical to defining a ketone, which distinguishes it from other carbonyl-containing compounds like aldehydes or carboxylic acids.

The other options reflect different types of organic compounds:

• RCOOH corresponds to carboxylic acids, which have a carbonyl group (C=O) adjacent to a hydroxyl group (–OH).

• RCHO refers to aldehydes, where the carbonyl group is bonded to at least one hydrogen atom and an alkyl group.

• R2CO suggests a ketone too, but the more common representation is RC(=O)R' since it shows the generality of the groups replacing the