Answer to Question #128791 in Physical Chemistry for Muhammad Nabeel

Question

Which of the following molecules are more reactive towards nucleophile
1)CH3CH2CHO and CH3COCH3
2)CH3COCH3 and CH3HOCCl

Answer 1

Solution.

1)

The reactivity in reactions with nucleophiles decreases from aldehydes to ketones, due to a decrease in the partial positive charge on the carbonyl carbon atom due to hydrocarbon radicals. Therefore, the most reactive substance will be the first.

2)

The reactivity in reactions with nucleophiles increases in the presence of functional groups that have a negative inductive effect, due to an increase in the partial positive charge on the carbonyl carbon atom. Therefore, the most reactive substance will be the second.

Answer:

1)

CH3CH2CHO

2)

CH3HOCCl