Ncleophilic addition reactions are catalysed__________________?
Correct answer: C. Both A and B
- A. Acid
- B. Base
- C. Both A and B
- D. None
Explanation
Nucleophilic addition can be acid-catalysed by protonating the carbonyl oxygen, which makes the carbonyl carbon more electrophilic, or base-catalysed by generating a stronger nucleophile. The likely mistake is choosing only acid or only base because a student may remember one mechanism and overlook the other.
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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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