Ketones

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Ketones, class of organic compounds of the general structure R—CO—R’, in which R and R’ represent organic radicals. The simplest ketone, acetone (CH3—CO—CH3), corresponds to the general ketone formula, with three hydrogen atoms attached to each of the end carbon atoms. Acetone is a product of the metabolism of fats, but under ordinary conditions it oxidizes quickly to water and carbon dioxide. In diabetes mellitus, however, acetone accumulates in the body and may be detected in the urine. Other ketones are camphor, many steroids, some fragrances, and some sugars. Ketones are relatively reactive organic compounds and thus are invaluable in synthesizing other compounds; they are also important intermediates in cell metabolism.

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