Question

Why methanal is more reactive than ethanal

Answer 1

Answer:

Methanal is more reactive than ethanal in nucleophillic addition rn. (1) In methanal , there is lesser sterric hinderence , facilitating easier nucleophilic addition. (2) In methanal , +I effect is lesser , hence electrophilic nature of carbonyl carbon is much more , resulting in easier nucleophilic addition.