📌 The reactivity order is HCHO > RCHO > RCOR′ because aldehydes have less steric hindrance and fewer electron-donating alkyl groups than ketones.
Aldehyde: carbonyl carbon bears H; ketone: carbonyl carbon bears two carbon groups.
1. Which structural feature identifies an aldehyde?
2. Which formula represents a ketone?
3. Why is the carbonyl carbon electrophilic?
What is the general structure of an aldehyde?
R–CHO with carbonyl carbon attached to at least one hydrogen.
What is the general structure of a ketone?
R–CO–R′ with carbonyl carbon attached to two carbon groups.
What is the chemical formula of the carbonyl group?
C=O.
Why is the carbonyl carbon electrophilic?
Because oxygen is more electronegative, making the carbonyl polar.
Why are aldehydes more reactive than ketones?
They have less steric hindrance and fewer electron-donating alkyl groups.
What is the product of oxidising primary alcohols?
Aldehydes
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