any of a class of compounds with the general formula R′COR, where R and R′ are alkyl or aryl groups
See also acetone
Derived forms
ketonic (kɪˈtɒnɪk)
adjective
Word origin
C19: from German Keton, from Aketonacetone
ketone in American English
(ˈkiˌtoʊn)
noun
an organic chemical compound containing the carbonyl group, CO, in combination with two hydrocarbon radicals
Word origin
Ger keton, arbitrary var. of Fr acétone: see acetone
All related terms of 'ketone'
ketone body
any of three compounds (acetoacetic acid , 3-hydroxybutanoic acid, and acetone ) produced when fatty acids are broken down in the liver to provide a source of energy . Excess ketone bodies are present in the blood and urine of people unable to use glucose as an energy source, as in diabetes and starvation
ketone group
the functional group of ketones : a carbonyl group attached to the carbon atoms of two other organic groups
methyl ethyl ketone
a highly flammable liquid, CH 3 COCH 2 CH 3 , used as a solvent ; butanone
methyl isobutyl ketone
colourless insoluble liquid ketone used as a solvent for organic compounds
mesityl oxide
an oily , colorless liquid, C 6 H 10 O, having a honeylike odor: used chiefly as a solvent and in the manufacture of synthetic organic compounds