Question

Why aldehyde is more reactive that ketone towards nucleophilic substitution addition reaction?

Answer 1

Ketones are sterically hindered than aldehydes, due to presence of alkyl group on both the side of the carbonyl carbon, making them less reactive towards nucleophilic attack.

Answer 2

1. In aldehyde there is more +ve charge on carbonyl carbon than ketones as carbonyl carbon in it receive + I from 2 sides.

2. Steric hindrance is more in ketone due to presence of carbon group on 2 sides of carbonyl group, due to which Nu- can't attack properly