Organic compounds classified as aromatic ketones have an aromatic ring connected to a carbonyl group (C=O). These compounds have unique chemical and physical properties due to the combination of their functional groups, which makes them useful for a wide range of applications, from pharmaceuticals to fragrances. With the molecular formula C8H8O, acetophenone is one of the most well-known aromatic ketones. It is widely used in the fragrance business to add aromas of cherry blossoms and jasmine. It offers a sweet, floral perfume. Numerous other aromatic compounds can also be synthesized using acetophenone as a precursor. Benzophenone (C13H10O) is a significant aromatic ketone that finds extensive application as a photoinitiator in the manufacturing of UV-curable coatings and inks. Benzophenone undergoes a photoreaction in the presence of ultraviolet light, which results in the production of free radicals and starts the polymerization process. Because of this characteristic, it is essential to sectors including coatings, electronics, and printing. Aromatic ketones are essential building blocks for more complicated compounds in the pharmaceutical industry. For instance, the brand name Prozac, which refers to fluoxetine, has an aromatic ketone moiety. Prozac is an antidepressant drug that helps reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed in the brain. Additionally, molecules with an aromatic ketone group have more stiffness and stability, which affects their biological activity. Chalcones are a type of molecules that have two aromatic rings and a central diketone group. They have a variety of pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer capabilities. Their potential for use in the creation of new drugs is being investigated. The Friedel-Crafts acylation process is a key technique in synthetic chemistry for incorporating aromatic ketones into compounds. Using an acyl chloride or anhydride and a Lewis acid catalyst, an aromatic ring is acylated in this procedure. An aromatic ketone with the new acyl group joined to the ring is the end product. To sum up, aromatic ketones are adaptable substances that find use in a variety of fields, including materials science, medicine, and fragrances. They are useful building blocks in the synthesis of several items that are necessary to our daily lives because of their unique chemical properties, appealing fragrances, and functional groups.
