Chapter 21, Problem 21.1P

Rank the following compounds in order of increasing reactivity towards nucleophilic attack.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The given compounds are to be arranged in order of increasing reactivity towards nucleophilic attack.

Concept introduction: Both aldehydes and ketones undergo nucleophilic addition reaction. The relative reactivity of carbonyl group is inversely proportional to the number of $\text{R}$ groups bonded to it. This means more is the number of $\text{R}$ groups around the carbonyl carbon, less is the reactivity of that carbonyl compound.

Answer to Problem 21.1P

The arrangement of given compounds in the increasing reactivity towards nucleophilic attack is,

Explanation of Solution

Both aldehydes and ketones undergo nucleophilic addition reaction. In this reaction, the nucleophilic attack takes place at carbonyl carbon. The relative reactivity of carbonyl group is inversely proportional to the number of $\text{R}$ groups bonded to it. This means more is the number of $\text{R}$ groups around the carbonyl carbon, less is the reactivity of that carbonyl compound. Thus, the arrangement of given compounds in the increasing reactivity towards nucleophilic attack is,

Figure 1

Conclusion

The arrangement of given compounds in the increasing reactivity towards nucleophilic attack is shown in Figure 1.