Ketones
. 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.