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Question

Which of the following is more reactive towards nucleophilic addition reaction?

A
CH3COCH3
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B
HCHO
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C
CH3CHO
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D
CH3CH2CHO
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Solution

The correct option is B HCHO
Aldehydes are more reactive than ketones towards nucleophiles due to following reasons:
1. Aldehydes tend to be more reactive to nucleophilic addition than ketones due to less steric hinderance. Ketones have two alkyl groups attached to their carbonyl carbon while aldehydes only have one. This means nucleophiles have a less sterically hindered path when attacking the carbonyl carbon of an aldehyde.
2. Two alkyl groups in ketones reduce the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon more effectively than in aldehyde.
Hence, formaldehyde is more reactive toward nucleophilic addition reactions among given options as it sterically less hindered and had more electrophilic carbon center.

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