Which of the following aldehydes will be most reactive towards nucleophiles?
Correct answer: C. Formaldehyde
- A. Benzaldehyde
- B. Acetaldehyde
- C. Formaldehyde
- D. Propanaldehyde
Explanation
Formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde and is highly reactive towards nucleophiles. It has no electron-withdrawing groups attached to the carbonyl carbon, leading to a high electron density at the carbon atom, making it very susceptible to nucleophilic attack.
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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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