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Question
Both alkenes and carbonyl compounds contain a π-bond, but alkenes show electrophilic addition reactions, whereas carbonyl compounds show nucleophilic addition reactions. Explain.
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Solution
Nucleophilic addition reaction shown by carbonyl compounds
In carbonyl compounds, a carbon atom is attached to an oxygen atom via a double bond. The carbon acquires a partial positive charge because oxygen is more electronegative. Thus, the carbonyl group is polar, and nucleophiles can easily attack the electron-deficient carbon. Thus, the reaction becomes a nucleophilic addition reaction
Electrophilic addition reaction shown by alkenes
The double bond in alkenes is not polarised due to the same electronegativity of the carbon atoms. So, the double bond of alkenes is an electron-rich centre. Electrophiles easily attack the double bond. So, this reaction is known as an electrophilic addition reaction.
In carbonyl compounds, a carbon atom is attached to an oxygen atom via a double bond. The carbon acquires a partial positive charge because oxygen is more electronegative. Thus, the carbonyl group is polar, and nucleophiles can easily attack the electron-deficient carbon. Thus, the reaction becomes a nucleophilic addition reaction
Electrophilic addition reaction shown by alkenes
The double bond in alkenes is not polarised due to the same electronegativity of the carbon atoms. So, the double bond of alkenes is an electron-rich centre. Electrophiles easily attack the double bond. So, this reaction is known as an electrophilic addition reaction.
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