Question
Chemistry Question on Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
Which of the following compounds is most reactive towards nucleophilic addition reactions?
A
B
C
D
Answer
Explanation
Solution
Aldehydes are generally more reactive than ketones in nucleophilic addition reactions due to steric and electronic reasons. Benzaldehyde is less reactive than ethanal as the polarity of the carbonyl group is reduced in benzaldehyde due to resonance as shown below: 