The carbonyl carbon of an aldehyde or ketone is attacked by nucleophiles because
Correct answer: A. it carries a partial positive charge, oxygen being more electronegative
- A. it carries a partial positive charge, oxygen being more electronegative
- B. it carries a partial negative charge
- C. it has a lone pair of electrons
- D. it is bonded to hydrogen
Explanation
The carbon to oxygen double bond is strongly polarised towards oxygen, leaving the carbon electron deficient and open to attack by a species with a lone pair. This is why the characteristic reaction of the carbonyl group is nucleophilic addition, in contrast with the electrophilic addition of alkenes, whose double bond is non polar. The oxygen carries the lone pairs and the partial negative charge.
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About Reactivity of Aldehydes and Ketones
The polar carbonyl group makes aldehydes and ketones undergo nucleophilic addition, reduction and condensation reactions. Aldehydes are generally more reactive and oxidise readily to carboxylic acids, whereas ketones resist mild oxidation; reactions with hydrogen cyanide, sodium bisulfite and 2,4-DNP help identify their behaviour.
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