MHT CET202615 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryAldehydes and KetonesActual
Aldehydes are more reactive than ketone towards nucleophilic attack because of?
Options
- Aless steric hindrance in ketone
- Bpresence of two alkyl group on ketone decreases its electrophilicity
- Cpresence of one alkyl group on aldehyde decreases its electrophilicity
- Dalkyl group have electron withdrawing effect.
Correct answer
B. presence of two alkyl group on ketone decreases its electrophilicity
Step-by-step solution
The reactivity of carbonyl compounds towards nucleophilic addition depends on steric and electronic factors. Steric factor: Ketones have two alkyl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon, which causes more steric hindrance to the approaching nucleophile compared to aldehydes, which have only one alkyl group and one small hydrogen atom. Electronic factor: Alkyl groups are electron-donating in nature due to the +I effect. In ketones, the presence of two electron-donating alkyl groups reduces the partial positive charg