What types of compounds are aldehydes and ketones classified as?

Aldehydes and ketones are classified as carbonyl compounds due to the presence of a carbonyl functional group (C=O) in their molecular structure. In the case of aldehydes, the carbonyl group is located at the end of the carbon chain, which gives them their unique properties, while in ketones, the carbonyl group is positioned within the carbon chain. This functional group is responsible for the characteristic reactions and behaviors of these compounds.

Carbonyl compounds are significant in organic chemistry due to their reactivity, as they can undergo various reactions such as nucleophilic addition and oxidation. Their classification as carbonyl compounds encompasses a wide range of substances, making it a broad and inclusive category that accurately reflects the essential feature shared by aldehydes and ketones. The other classifications mentioned do not encapsulate the unique structural characteristics that define aldehydes and ketones, which is why they are not applicable in this context.