Question
Chemistry Question on Organic Chemistry
Which among the following aldehydes is most reactive towards nucleophilic addition reactions?
A
B
C
D
Answer
Explanation
Solution
Formaldehyde (HCHO) is the most reactive towards nucleophilic addition reactions because:
• It has no alkyl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon, leading to the lowest steric hindrance at the carbonyl carbon.
• The partial positive charge on the carbonyl carbon is highest due to the absence of electron-donating groups (alkyl groups), making it highly electrophilic.
Thus, HCHO is the most reactive aldehyde for nucleophilic addition reactions.