Question

Assertion (A): Aldehydes are more reactive than ketones towards nucleophilic addition reactions.
Reason (R): In aldehydes, the carbonyl carbon is less electrophilic compared to ketones.

• (A) and (R) are correct. (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Aldehydes are more reactive than ketones in nucleophilic addition reactions due to less steric hindrance and greater electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

- Assertion (A): Aldehydes are indeed more reactive than ketones towards nucleophilic addition reactions. This is because in aldehydes, the carbonyl carbon is more accessible to nucleophiles due to less steric hindrance (as compared to ketones, where the alkyl groups hinder nucleophilic attack). - Reason (R): The reason provided is incorrect. It states that the carbonyl carbon in aldehydes is less electrophilic than in ketones, but this is not true. The carbonyl carbon in aldehydes is actually more electrophilic than in ketones because it is bonded to one alkyl group (or a hydrogen in the case of formaldehyde), making it more susceptible to nucleophilic attack. Ketones have two alkyl groups, which donate electron density through inductive effects, making the carbonyl carbon less electrophilic. Thus, (3) (A) is correct but (R) is not correct