question_answer

Which of the following compound is most reactive towards nucleophilic addition reaction?

A)  Ethanal               

B)         Propanal

C)         Butanone          

D)         Propanone

Correct Answer: A

Solution :

As we move from ethanal to propanal, to propanone to butanone, the \[+I\] inductive effect of alkyl group increases, as a result, the \[+ve\] charge on the carbon atom of the carbonyl group progressively decreases and hence, attack by nucleophile becomes slower and slower. Thus, the reactivity increases in the order: butanone < propanone < propanal < ethanol