In nucleophilic addition to a carbonyl group, the carbon atom changes hybridisation from
Correct answer: C. sp2 to sp3
- A. sp3 to sp2
- B. sp to sp2
- C. sp2 to sp3
- D. sp3 to sp
Explanation
The carbonyl carbon starts as trigonal planar sp2 with a bond angle of 120 degrees, and when the nucleophile adds it acquires a fourth group and becomes tetrahedral sp3 with angles near 109.5 degrees. This geometrical change is why bulky groups around the carbonyl slow the reaction down so much. Elimination reactions run the same change in reverse.
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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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