Question

Why is the alpha hydrogen of aldehyde more acidic than other atoms ?

Answer 1

Answer:

In aldehydes, alpha hydrogen is more acidic due to the stability of the anion that formed as a result of the removal of alpha hydrogen.

Explanation:

Alpha hydrogen is the hydrogen atom that is in bonding with alpha carbon. In aldehydes, alpha hydrogen is more acidic due to the stability of the anion that formed as a result of the removal of alpha hydrogen. Once the alpha hydrogen gets removed the negative charge gets stabilized because of delocalization of negative charge from carbon to oxygen since there is a carbonyl group present. The carbonyl group is highly electron-withdrawing in nature. This effect is the same in ketones. The presence of alpha hydrogen causes keto-enol tautomerism.