Ketones are comparatively less reactive than aldehdye. It is due to
Correct answer: B. steric hindrance
- A. alkly groups are electron donating
- B. steric hindrance
- C. both (a) & (b)
- D. none
Explanation
The key lies in the crowd around the carbonyl carbon. Aldehydes have only one "guest" - an alkyl group attached to the carbon next to the double bond. Ketones, however, have two guests - two alkyl groups flanking the carbonyl like enthusiastic partygoers.This larger crowd creates steric hindrance, making it physically difficult for other molecules (especially nucleophiles) to approach and react with the carbonyl carbon. It's like trying to reach the birthday cake in a packed room - the more people around, the more challenging it becomes.Therefore, due to steric hindrance, ketones take longer to tango with nucleophiles, resulting in slower reaction rates compared to aldehydes with their less congested carbonyl centers.
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About Aldehydes and Ketones
Aldehydes and ketones contain the polar carbonyl group, but aldehydes are generally more readily oxidised and more reactive than ketones. Coverage includes preparation by oxidation or reduction routes, nucleophilic addition of reagents such as hydrogen cyanide and bisulfite, and tests that distinguish aldehydes from ketones.
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