MP Board · Class 12 · Chemistry · Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic AcidsWhy are aldehydes more reactive than ketones towards nucleophilic addition reactions?

Aldehydes are more reactive than ketones towards nucleophilic addition reactions due to two primary factors: electronic and steric. Electronically, aldehydes have only one alkyl group which exhibits electron-releasing inductive effect, whereas ketones have two alkyl groups that increase electron density on the carbonyl carbon, decreasing its electrophilicity. Sterically, the presence of two bulky alkyl groups in ketones hinders the approach of the incoming nucleophile more effectively compared to aldehydes.