What type of compounds do oxo compounds include?

Oxo compounds are characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a carbon atom. This functional group is fundamental in understanding various organic compounds. Aldehydes and ketones are two primary classes of oxo compounds, as they feature the carbonyl group in distinct structural arrangements.

In aldehydes, the carbonyl group is located at the terminal position of the carbon chain, meaning that it is bonded to at least one hydrogen atom. This makes aldehydes an important group of oxo compounds. On the other hand, ketones have the carbonyl group situated within the carbon chain, flanked by two carbon atoms, which further illustrates their classification as oxo compounds.

The presence of the carbonyl group is significant because it dictates the chemical properties and reactivity of these compounds, influencing their roles in various chemical reactions, such as oxidation and reduction. Therefore, the inclusion of both aldehydes and ketones highlights the defining characteristics of oxo compounds, making this option the correct choice.