Fundamentals of Organic ChemistryChemistryAldehydes and Ketones
Select the correct order of the given compounds with respect to their increasing rate of reaction with LiAlH ₄ .
Correct answer
2
Step-by-step solution
The reaction of carbonyl compounds with LiAlH ₄ involves the nucleophilic addition of a hydride ion ( H ⁻ ) to the electrophilic carbonyl carbon. The rate of nucleophilic addition depends on two primary factors: 1. Steric hindrance: Bulky alkyl groups around the carbonyl carbon block the approach of the nucleophile, decreasing the reaction rate. 2. Electronic factors (+I effect): Alkyl groups are electron-donating. More alkyl groups or larger alkyl groups increase the electron density on the carbonyl carbon, reduci