The relative reactivity of carbonyl compounds towards nucleophilic addition is governed by electroni — Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Ketones have two alkyl groups causing steric crowding and +I effects (lowering reactivity). Formaldehyde has only hydrogens, making it the most reactive. Benzaldehyde is actually LESS reactive than aliphatic aldehydes because the -M/resonance effect of the carbonyl group pulls electron density from the ring, stabilizing the carbonyl carbon's positive charge.