Question

What are Towards of Nucleophilic Addition Reactions in Aldehydes and Ketones?

Answer

Aldehydes are more reactive towards these reactions than ketones due to: (i) The presence of two bulkier alkyl groups around carbonyl C-atoms which sterically hinders the attack of nucleophile. (ii) The presence of +I-effect exerting two alkyl groups bonded to C-atoms of carbonyl group which decreases partial (+ve) charge on C-atom. (iii) Addition of HCN (iv) Addition of NaHSO₃ (v) Addition of Grignard's reagents.