Question:

Which of the following compounds is most reactive towards nucleophilic addition reaction?

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Aliphatic aldehydes are more reactive than aromatic aldehydes and ketones.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • \(\text{C}_{2}\text{H}_{5}\text{-CO-H}\)
  • \(\text{C}_{2}\text{H}_{5}\text{-CO-C}_{2}\text{H}_{5}\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Reactivity towards nucleophilic addition increases with a more positive carbonyl carbon and less steric hindrance.

Step 2: Compare the compounds
The options are acetophenone, benzaldehyde, propanal and pentan-3-one.
Ketones are less reactive than aldehydes because of two electron-donating groups and more crowding.

Step 3: Aldehydes
Benzaldehyde is stabilised by resonance with the ring, which lowers the positive charge on carbon.
Propanal has no such effect, so it is the most reactive.

Final Answer:
Propanal is the most reactive towards nucleophilic addition. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{C}_{2}\text{H}_{5}\text{-CO-H}} \]
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