Structure of Acetaldehyde

Aldehydes are carbonyl compounds in which at least one of the atoms or groups attached to the carbonyl C-atom is a hydrogen. The other group usually is a hydrocarbon group. The general formula of aldehydes is R-CHO. Note the orientation of the methyl group; the in-plane methyl C-H bond and the C=O bond are on the same side.


Figure. The MP2(full)/6-31G* optimized structure of acetaldehyde.