Why do weak nucleophiles, such as ammonia derivatives (), require a weakly acidic medium to react efficiently with aldehydes and ketones?

Question

Why do weak nucleophiles, such as ammonia derivatives ($NH_2-Z$), require a weakly acidic medium to react efficiently with aldehydes and ketones?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Weak nucleophiles lack the electron density to attack a neutral carbonyl. Protonating the carbonyl oxygen creates a full formal positive charge, making the carbon highly susceptible to nucleophilic attack.

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