JEE Main · ChemistryMedium

Which compound is most reactive towards nucleophilic addition?

  1. A.
  2. B.
  3. C.
  4. D.
Show correct answer & step-by-step solution

Correct answer: B

Solution

  1. Nucleophilic addition reactivity decreases with increasing steric hindrance around the carbonyl carbon.
  2. Reactivity also decreases with increasing electron-donating groups attached to the carbonyl carbon.
  3. Acetaldehyde has only one methyl group and one hydrogen atom, providing minimal steric hindrance.
  4. Acetone and acetophenone have more bulky groups, and benzaldehyde has resonance stabilization from the phenyl ring.
  5. Hence the answer is (B).

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