What is the suffix used for ketones in IUPAC nomenclature?

In IUPAC nomenclature, ketones are identified using the suffix -one. This suffix indicates the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) within the carbon chain, specifically located between two carbon atoms. Ketones are characterized by having their carbonyl group situated in any position except at the terminal ends of the carbon chain, which differentiates them from aldehydes, where the carbonyl group is always at the end of the chain.

For instance, in naming a ketone like 2-pentanone, the "pentane" base indicates the five-carbon chain, and the -one suffix tells you that a ketone functional group is present, which is critical for understanding its structure and reactivity. This specific designation distinguishes ketones from other functional groups in organic chemistry, ensuring clarity in chemical communication.