Ketene

This article is about the generic structure class. For the specific chemical of this name, see ethenone.
General formula for a ketene

In organic chemistry, a ketene is an organic compound of the form RR'C=C=O, where R and R' are two arbitrary monovalent chemical groups (or two separate substitution sites in the same molecule).[1] The name may also refer to the specific compound ethenone H2C=C=O, the simplest ketene.[2]

Although they are highly useful, most ketenes are unstable. When used as reagents in a chemical procedure, they are typically generated when needed, and consumed as soon as (or while) they are produced.[1]

  1. ^ a b Miller R, Abaecherli C, Said A, Jackson B (2001). "Ketenes". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. doi:10.1002/14356007.a15_063. ISBN 978-3527306732.
  2. ^ Saul Patai, ed. (1980). Ketenes, Allenes and Related Compounds: Part 1, Volume 1. PATAI'S Chemistry of Functional Groups. John Wiley & Sons. doi:10.1002/9780470771600. ISBN 9780470771600.Saul Patai, ed. (1980). Ketenes, Allenes and Related Compounds: Part 2, Volume 2. PATAI'S Chemistry of Functional Groups. John Wiley & Sons. doi:10.1002/9780470771617. ISBN 9780471276708.