Aldehyde Suffix 'al': Organic Compound Identification

The suffix used in naming organic compounds provides clues about their functional groups and structure.

Identifying the 'al' Suffix

• Aldehydes: This class of organic compounds is characterized by the presence of a formyl group ($R-CHO$). According to IUPAC nomenclature rules, aldehydes are named using the suffix '-al'. For example, Methanal ($HCHO$) and Ethanal ($CH_3CHO$).
• Alcohols: These compounds contain a hydroxyl group ($-OH$) and are named using the suffix '-ol' (e.g., Methanol, Ethanol).
• Alkalenes (Alkenes): These are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond ($C=C$) and are named using the suffix '-ene' (e.g., Ethene, Propene).
• Alkynes: These are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond ($C \equiv C$) and are named using the suffix '-yne' (e.g., Ethyne, Propyne).

Therefore, organic compounds with the suffix '-al' are Aldehydes.