Asked in Premeth Test 18 — Alkyl Halides, Aldehydes and Ketones, Atomic Structure (20 March 2025) 2025Moderate

Identify the correct (increasing) order of reactivity of carbonyl compound towards nucleophilic addition:

Correct answer: D. CH₃COCH₃ < CH₃CH₂CHO < CH₃CHO < HCHO

  • A. HCHO < CH₃CHO < CH₃COCH₃ < CH₃COCH₃
  • B. CH₃CH₂CHO < CH₃COCH₃ < CH₃CHO < HCHO
  • C. HCHO < CH₃COCH₃ < CH₃CH₂CHO < CH₃CHO
  • D. CH₃COCH₃ < CH₃CH₂CHO < CH₃CHO < HCHO

Explanation

Methyl group is electron donating group hence decreases reactivity

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About Nucleophilic Addition Reactions

Nucleophilic addition occurs at the polar carbonyl group of aldehydes and ketones, where a nucleophile attacks the electron-deficient carbon atom. Reactions with hydrogen cyanide, sodium bisulfite, alcohols and Grignard reagents are explained through tetrahedral intermediates, acid or base catalysis, and the different reactivity of aldehydes and ketones.

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