Question:
When a nucleophile encounters a ketone the site of attack is
When a nucleophile encounters a ketone the site of attack is
Show Hint
Nucleophiles attack the electrophilic carbonyl carbon, not the oxygen.
Updated On: Apr 23, 2026
- the carbon atom of the carbonyl
- the oxygen atom of the carbonyl
- Both the carbon and oxygen atoms with equal probability
- no attack occurs - ketones do not react with nucleophiles
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Formula / Definition}
\[ \mathrm{C=O} \Rightarrow \mathrm{C}^{\delta+} = \mathrm{O}^{\delta-} \]
Step 2: Calculation / Simplification}
Oxygen is more electronegative than carbon.
Carbon bears partial positive charge (\(\delta^+\)).
Nucleophiles (electron-rich) attack the electron-deficient carbon atom.
Step 3: Final Answer
\[ \text{the carbon atom of the carbonyl} \]
\[ \mathrm{C=O} \Rightarrow \mathrm{C}^{\delta+} = \mathrm{O}^{\delta-} \]
Step 2: Calculation / Simplification}
Oxygen is more electronegative than carbon.
Carbon bears partial positive charge (\(\delta^+\)).
Nucleophiles (electron-rich) attack the electron-deficient carbon atom.
Step 3: Final Answer
\[ \text{the carbon atom of the carbonyl} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top MET Chemistry Questions
- Which of the following product is formed in the reaction $ CH_3MgBr {->[(i)CO_2][(ii)H_2O]} ? $
- Ethyl chloride is converted into diethyl ether by:
- Correct order of reactivity:
- A group of 13 element if added in small amounts to Ge, then the type of semiconductor formed is
- Consider the following statements I. Repulsive forces are significant when the molecules are close together on average. II. Attractive intermolecular forces are important when the molecules are fairly close together but not necessarily touching. III. Attractive forces are ineffective when the molecules are for apart. Select correct statements.
View More Questions
Top MET Atomic Structure Questions
- In the atomic spectrum of hydrogen, the spectral lines pertaining to electronic transition of $n = 4$ to $n = 2$ refers to
- Which of the following sets of quantum numbers is impossible arrangement?
- If uncertainty in position and velocity are equal, then uncertainty in momentum will be
- For \( f \)-orbital the values of \( m \) are
- In hydrogen spectrum, the series of lines appearing in ultra violet region of electromagnetic spectrum are called
View More Questions
Top MET Questions
- A coil of 100 turns and area $2 \times 10^{-2}m^2 $ is pivoted about a vertical diameter in a uniform magnetic field and carries a current of 5A. When the coil is held with its plane in north-south direction, it experiences a couple of 0.33 Nm. When the plane is east-west, the corresponding couple is 0.4 Nm, the value of magnetic induction is [Neglect earth's magnetic field]
- $\int\limits_{0}^{8}| x -5| d x$ is equal to
- Radiation, with wavelength 6561 $?$ falls on a metal surface to produce photoelectrons. The electrons are made to enter a uniform magnetic field of $3 \times 10^{-4} T$. If the radius of the largest circular path followed by the electrons is 10 mm, the work function of the metal is close to :
- In intrinsic semiconductor at room temperature number of electrons and holes are
- Which of the following product is formed in the reaction $ CH_3MgBr {->[(i)CO_2][(ii)H_2O]} ? $
View More Questions