Arrange the following carbonyl compounds in decreasing order of their reactivity towards Nucleophili — Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Question
Question
Arrange the following carbonyl compounds in decreasing order of their reactivity towards Nucleophilic Addition Reactions: Formaldehyde (I), Acetaldehyde (II), Acetone (III).
Answer: A
💡 Solution & Explanation
Nucleophilic addition is hindered by bulky groups and by electron-donating alkyl groups ($+I$) which reduce the partial positive charge on the carbonyl carbon. Formaldehyde has no alkyl groups, making it the most reactive.
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