Ketones

Ketones are a group of organic compounds which contain a non-terminal carbonyl group as a functional group. This so-called keto group -C-C(=O)- C- contains 3 carbon atoms. Thus all ketones contain at least 3 carbon atoms. Propanone is the simplest ketone representative. Acetone is the most commonly used. Ketones can be understood as oxidation products of secondary alcohols.

In medicine, the detection of ketones is of great importance, especially in decompensated diabetes mellitus (e.g. ketoacidosis). The detection of methyl ketones (acetate acetate, acetone) is carried out using nitroprusside sodium (legal sample). Normal: Non-reactive. The reaction is positive in the presence of ketones. In decompensated diabetes mellitus, ketonuria is accompanied by increased glucose excretion. Ketonuria (without glucose detection) is physiological after prolonged food withdrawal.

Disturbances in the chemical detection reaction can occur, for example, through anthraquinones (laxatives), phenylpyruvic acid (phenylketonuria) and phthaleine.

Neumeister B (2018) Compartments. In: Neumeister B et al. (Eds) Clinical guide to laboratory diagnostics. Elsevier GmbH S. 268