I keep getting “Nucleophilic addition to carbonyls” questions wrong in Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids. What's the trap?
thinking ketones are more reactive than aldehydes.
The usual trap: thinking ketones are more reactive than aldehydes. How to avoid it: aldehydes are less crowded and more electrophilic → faster addition. Go back to the definition — the polar C=O group is attacked by nucleophiles at carbon; aldehydes react faster than ketones.
Key point
Nucleophilic addition to carbonyls
Common mistake
thinking ketones are more reactive than aldehydes.
Memory tip
aldehydes are less crowded and more electrophilic → faster addition.
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