Question

Which among the following is less reactive towards nucleophilic attack? Benzaldehyde (aromatic aldehyde) or ethanol (aliphatic alcohol) ?

Answer 1

Dear Student,

Nucleophilic attack involves attack of nucleophile on the carbon atom.
More is the electron deficiency around carbon, easier will be the attack of nucleophile.
In case of benzaldehyde, the attack occurs at carbonyl carbon because firstly it is bonded to oxygen (more electronegative atom) and also to phenyl group (-R group).
In ethanol, the oxygen bearing carbon is bonded to ethyl group. So, it is less reactive to nucleophilic attack.

So, ethanol is less reactive.

Regards