Question

Aldehydes are readily oxidised to yield carboxylic acids but ketones are inert to oxidation. Which is the most likely explanation regarding this difference in reactivity?

• A. Aldehydes have a proton attached to the carbonyl that is abstracted during oxidation
• B. Ketones lack this proton and so cannot oxidised
• C. Reducing agents like HNO$_3$ are sterically hindered by ketone's carbonyl carbon
• D. The rate of the forward oxidation reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reduction reaction in ketones

Hint:

The presence of a hydrogen atom attached to the carbonyl group makes aldehydes more reactive towards oxidation than ketones.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Aldehydes are more easily oxidised than ketones because they have a hydrogen attached to the carbonyl group, which is removed during the oxidation process.